Arthur Parker "Art" Valentine

Arthur P. “Art” Valentine Jr., 89, of Byesville, and formerly of Port Orange, Florida, passed away Friday March 8, 2019 at Cambridge Place, surrounded by family.

Art was born November 2, 1929 in Guernsey County, a son to the late Arthur and Grace (Danford) Valentine Sr..

Art started A & J Cleaning in Byesville in 1969, and continued to operate it with the help of his family, and many area residents for 35 years. He had also worked for Aramark, where he was their top coffee equipment/coffee salesman, and a former deputy sheriff for Guernsey County.

Art proudly served as Mayor for the residents of Byesville, a position he held for 10 years. It was said that he had married over 100 couples during his tenure.

He was a 1947 Byesville High School graduate, a member of the Crossroads Baptist Church in Port Orange, former member of the 1st Baptist Church in Byesville, and social member of Byesville VFW#3760.

Art loved John Wayne movies, watching football, especially the Buckeyes and Browns, playing cards, especially Euchre, and spending time with his family.

Art and his family were very appreciative of the loving care provided by the Cambridge Place, and Hospice of Guernsey.

In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his wife, Elva Jean (Linkhorn) Valentine on July 19, 2016, whom he married on March 29, 1947, a granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Valentine, five sisters, Shirley Choma, Lela Bishard, Mabel Slay, Marian Powell, Eleanor Kushner, a brother, Charles Valentine, and 2 infant sisters.

He is survived by his four children, James (Elizabeth) Valentine, Port Orange, Fla., Sandra (Fred) Starrett, Byesville, Jay (Debra) Valentine, Byesville, and Timothy (Dixie) Valentine, Port Orange, Fla., 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held Monday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Black-Epperson Funeral Home in Byesville, where a service will follow with Rev. Clayton Coffee officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Guernsey, Inc., P.O.

Box 1165, Cambridge, Ohio, 43723

Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com

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