Laiston Jerels Jr. affectionately known as Lenny to friends and family, was born August 22, 1956, to Laiston (Leonard) Jerels and Linder Ford-Jerels.  The oldest of 5 children, Laiston attended Schumacher Elementary and Perkins Middle School. He graduated from Buchtel High School and went on to attend The University of Akron Culinary Program.  He worked in the food service field until he started working for the State of Ohio, where he worked until retirement.

Laiston was a strong example of being a loving and patient provider to his wife and children.  He really loved doing things with and for his grandchildren, whether it was teaching them to drive, making sure they had a ride, and making sure that they were not bullied, not even by mom and nana.

He spoke fondly of the time he would spend with his cousins growing up and that joy would continue later in life.   He loved to play chess, always willing to take on any challenger, or he would play for hours at a time on his tablet. Lenny loved to fish; he always had a pole in his car ready to fish.  He did not mind going out of his way to help someone rather it was giving someone a ride, shoveling someone out on a snow day, or stopping by and checking on someone. No matter if it needed to be done, if he could, he did not mind doing it.  Lenny really loved his music.   Although he really liked his old school, he really loved his “Jazz” too.  He loved attending the concert in the park and enjoyed any style of music that was playing.

He would spend time at Mount Peace Cemetery making sure his loved one’s graves were cared for; he knew where everyone was laid to rest.  Well, now when you make your rounds, you can also lie down and take your rest.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Jererls; parents, Laiston (Leonard) Jerels and Linder Ford-Jerels; daughter, Devona Lynn Jerels.

Lenny will be missed greatly by his wife of 38 years, Ruth Charlene Jerels; sons, Laiston LaShawn Jerels, Leonard Allyn Jerels; daughter, Charvette Dior Jerels, sisters, Sherry Anderson (Gary Huffman) of Akron, OH, Laura Jerels of Columbus, OH and Crystal Jerels (James Love) of Miramar, Florida; 4 grandchildren, Laiston LaShauntier Jerels, Alyris Springfield, Makayla Rogers, and DeVawn A. Jerels; honorary grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.