EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO – Jay B. Votaw, 78, of East Liverpool passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Calcutta Heath Care Center with his family by his side.

He was born May 30, 1946, in Wabash, IN a son of the late Calvin E. and Kathryn (Boles) Votaw. Jay was a graduate of Wabash High School Class of 1964.He graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1970 where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Jay was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee. Jay served as a member of the East Liverpool Rotary Club, B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge # 258, East Liverpool Country Club and former member of Kiwanis International. He also served on the board of directors at East Liverpool City Hospital. Jay owned and operated the Community Animal Clinic in East Liverpool from 1973 up until he sold the practice in 2007. Following his days at Community Animal Clinic he would fill in for local Veterinarian's and worked for the Animal Humane Society until he officially retired in 2018.Caring for the many animals in the area with the work family he had at Community Animal Clinic was one of the biggest joys of his life. He enjoyed golfing (recording two holes in one), fishing local ponds and annual trips to Canada with his friends, and playing with and attending his grandchildren's many activities. Jay loved traveling everywhere with his wife, family and close friends Tom and Judy. He loved spending time at their beach house and playing cards with their friends. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and was thrilled to see the Cubs win a World Series in 2016.He was known by many in the community for not only what he gave back in terms of his service but for his overall generosity and quick sense of humor.

Left to cherish Jay's memory are his wife of 54 years, whom he married June 20, 1970, Sandra S. Votaw; son Trent Votaw and his wife Erin; daughter Trisha Dooley and her husband Michael; four grandchildren Lucas Votaw, Benjamin Votaw, Camdyn Dooley and Graeme Dooley and brother Jeff Votaw and his wife Ann.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Sunday where the family will be present from 2 to 5 p.m. Rev. Claudia Britton of First United Methodist Church, will conduct a service at the Funeral Home on Monday at 11 a.m.

Immediately following the service, the family will gather at the Dawson Family Center for a time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed in Jay's memory to Columbiana County Dog Pound & Adoption Center, 8455 County Home Road, Lisbon, OH 44432 or First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Fifth Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920.