Jay Harple, Age 68, of Malvern, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015 in the Aultman Compassionate Care Center in Canton, Ohio after a long battle with illness. He was born May 5, 1947 to the late James and Eva (Loutzenhiser) Harple of Malvern. Jay was the owner of Harple Oil Company, where he began helping his father with the family business at the age of 8 until his retirement in 2002 He is a 1965 graduate of Malvern High School, a former member of the Malvern Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Malvern Jaycees. He attended St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Minerva Community Church of the Christian Missionary Alliance and most recently he attended the Minerva Great Trail Church of God.

Jay is survived by the love of his life, Cathy (Brunk) Harple, his wife of 31 years, whom he married Sept. 24, 1983; son, John William Harple of Canton, Ohio who was the light of his life; sister-in-law, Judy (Phillip) Rufener of Malvern, Ohio; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard (Miriam) Brunk of Dover, Ohio, David (Lynn) Kirk of Bethel Park, PA; nephews, Daniel (Angela) Kirk of Angier, NC, Brian (Rebecca) Kirk of Pittsburgh, PA, Richard (Melinda) Rufener of Massillon, Ohio, Christopher (Maria) Rufener of North Olmsted, OH; nieces, Sally (Robert) Menefee of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Wilma Yoder of Hartville, OH, Amy (Todd) Dennis of East Sparta, Ohio; 28 great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Kirk.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the Minerva Great Trail Community Church of God with Rev. Stan Hunter officiating. Burial will be in German Cemetery in Mineral City. Friends and family will be received at the Great Trail Community Church of God in Minerva on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and also one hour prior to services on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.