John F. Way
1934-2018


Cameron, Missouri- John F. “Jay” Way died January 26, 2018 at the Excelsior Springs Hospital at the age of 83, but he was “Uncle John” to so many.
He was born in Chillicothe, the fourth of five children of Harold and Irene Way. He attended public schools in Chillicothe, Long Island, New York, Detroit, Michigan, the University of Missouri and the Army Signal School and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
He married Joyce Roberts of Mendon, MO in 1956. They divorced in 1958. He later married Janet Coy Dabney of Kirksville in 1962. After her death in 1999, he established the Janet Way Memorial Fund for Cameron Middle School. Over the years, the fund has donated several thousands for students’ educational needs that are not in the school’s budget. Upon his death this fund became the John F. and Janet Coy Way Memorial Fund, with same purpose to provide funding for items outside the traditional school budget.
In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack; sister, Shirley and brother, Frank.
Survivors include a son, Macy (Beth), Kearney; two grandsons; Andrew and Samuel; sister, Sally Reynolds; several nieces and nephews; and longtime companion and business associate, LaMerle Tweedie.
Jay had a 42-year career in the broadcast industry starting as a staff announcer and then in sales and management. He worked at radio stations in Chillicothe, Kirksville, Trenton, Fulton and Cameron.
He served as president of the Trenton and Kirksville Kiwanis Clubs; the Cameron Rotary Club and Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served the board of Clinco Sheltered Industries, Cameron. He was active Cameron United Methodist Church; was a longtime member of the Chancel Choir and narrator of their Christmas Cantatas.
Jay was active in Boy Scouts having served on the Crossed Arrow District board and 25 years on the Eagle Scout Board of Review during which time he saw over 250 Crossed Arrow District Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. He was an Honorary Warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say and had visited tribal land at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Jay served nine years in the Missouri Army National Guard and was NCOIC of the photo section of the 35th Signal Company, 35th Infantry Division.
Services: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Cameron United Methodist Church. Visitation: 6-8:00 PM, Tuesday evening at Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Burial will be in the Pratt Cemetery, southwest of Kirksville, MO. The family suggests contributions to the Cameron United Methodist Church and/or John F. and Janet Coy Way Memorial Fund. Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com.

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