John W. Lekas "Big John" ended his Earthly adventures on April 15, 2016 as he wanted and as he lived his life: on his own terms, in the comfort of his own home with the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Jackie, by his side. Born July 18, 1928, the youngest of three sons of the late William and Anastasia Lekas, brother of James W. (deceased) (Toula deceased) and Louis W. (deceased) (Tessie). Father of two: daughter, Katherine A. and son, James J. grandfather of three great-grandfather of one, uncle and great-uncle of many. Friend to ALL. Born in Cleveland, John spent his childhood in Ashtabula and the Kinsman area of Cleveland. He embraced his Greek heritage and was proud to be an American. He joined the US Army at age 17, a WWII Veteran of the Blue Devils 88th Division, John was a sergeant in the Motor Pool and a member of the American Legion Hellenic Post 453. He was a great conversationalist. Found his calling in sales. He worked for the Hollywood Candy Company Traveling the Country promoting their "zero candy bar". He met and entertained numerous famous celebrities. After various occupations, John returned to the Motor Pool as an owner in the used car business, where in later years he met his wife Jackie. They spent many happy years together working and enjoying each other, traveling to Greece, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and the US. His favorites were Florida and Las Vegas. Blessed with a good sense of humor and wisdom, which he attributed to his mother, John was a kind and generous man and treated everyone with respect: employees, family and his many friends. John was big on family He lived well and loved much. He will be missed but mostly he will be remembered The family is grateful to the many dedicated doctors at the Cleveland Clinic Moll Cancer Center and the Louis Stokes Veterans Medical Center at Wade Park and the kind and dutiful caregivers of Crossroads Hospice and Emerald medical staffing. Funeral services will be held Monday April 18, 11am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 22909 Center Ridge Rd. in Rocky River, where the family will receive friends from 10am until time of service. Reverend Father James Doukas, officiating. Burial will follow services, 1:30pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery where John will receive full military honors. The family suggests no flowers and would prefer memorial contributions be made to either Crossroads Hospice 9775 Rockside Rd. suite 220 Valley View, OH or the Louis Stokes Veterans Medical Center 10701 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106. For online tributes and condolences please visit www.CLC funeralhome.com Arrangements under the care of CANNON LOPRESTI & CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME a family owned and operated funeral home. 216)221-1912 https://www.crossroadshospice.com/ http://www.cleveland.va.gov/about//