Estel "Buck" Janeway, Jr.

Estel Janeway, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep April 28, 2021 after succumbing to the effects of a weakened heart brought about by an infection related to COVID-19.

“Buck” as he was known to family, friends, and coworkers and sometimes lovingly referred to as “Bucky Baby” by his daughters and mother, was born in Knoxville, TN on December 7, 1929 to Cleva Davis and Houston (Henderson) Estel Janeway. The son of working parents, his family was hit hard by the Great Depression and World War II; all which had a great impact on him.

“Buck’ grew up determined and steadfast with a solid work ethic that served him well. After graduating from Halls High School in 1949, “Buck” married the former Barbara Ann Dalton, also of Knoxville, in July 1949 and soon after they moved to Franklin, Ohio to establish a new life. A gifted basketball player, “Buck” played in the Middletown industrial leagues while he worked at Inland Container and Armco Steel and loved to tell stories of being matched up against NBA player Jerry Lucas during pickup games on the Middletown public courts. Following a few years at Inland Container, “Buck” worked in the #2 Open Hearth at the Armco Steel Corporation for nearly 20 years until he became an electrician in Armco’s Electrical Construction department.

“Buck” enjoyed vegetable gardening, playing cards, the Tennessee Volunteers, the Ohio State buckeyes, and his dogs. It was common to see him driving his pickup with one of his big dogs sitting next him. One of his favorite past times was yelling at the TV on Sunday afternoon while watching the Cincinnati Bengals and in his younger years he was a good golfer having been credited with a Hole in One at Riverbend Golf Course.

“Buck” was an old school father. Tough and strict, but caring. He was proud of his children as the most significant accomplishment in his life was having seen them graduate college, start families, and have successful careers and lives. “Buck” was a member and officer of the Knights of Pythias Lodge in Middletown, was periodically active in school functions having run a large fair and other fund-raising event at Hunter Elementary School and in helping establish the Lynx Club at Franklin High School. He was also a very active a member of the Middletown chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Barbara; his son, Gary Steven Janeway of West Cliff, Colorado; son, Michael Dale Janeway of Potomac Falls, Virginia; daughter, Cynthia Gale Banks of Middletown Ohio; and daughter, Patricia LeAnn Groves of Middletown Ohio. “Buck” is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

“Buck” had ask to be cremated and have his ashes spread in the mountains of Tennessee so the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.