DR. DRAYTON R. JUSTUS JR.

Dr. Drayton R. Justus Jr., age 89, of Pemberville, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Otterbein Senior Living, Pemberville, Ohio. He was born on July 2, 1932, to Drayton and Lillian (Wentz) Justus Sr., in Hendersonville, North Carolina. On July 7, 1975, he married Sue Ann Himebaugh, in Toledo. Drayton and Sue Ann celebrated 46 years of marriage together.

A native of Hendersonville and a West Virginia University retired human resources executive, Dr. Justus has served in both the private sector and in public higher education. He has degrees in music education from Duke University, in human resources management from Nova University and a doctorate in higher education administration from West Virginia University.

He excelled in musical activities from childhood, both instrumental and vocal. He has been a prominent figure in the Barbershop Harmony Society for more than 55 years, having sung in two international champion quartets, served as international president and was inducted into the society’s Hall of Fame in 2012; in 2015, he was unanimously selected by a peer panel as one of the 10 best quartet lead singers in society history. In the world of barbershop harmony he has successfully functioned as competitor, coach, arranger, district administrator, chorus director, emcee, as well as singing on Bob Hope’s USO show, entertaining our troops at the military bases and hospitals in Vietnam. During his final days, colleagues with the Barbershop Harmony Society traveled from around the United States to Ohio and gathered at his window side, singing for him one last time.

In addition to his loving wife, Sue Ann, Dr. Justus is survived by his brother, Jerry Justus of Polson, Montana. From Sue Ann and his first wife, Judith, he is survived by sons, J.D. Justus, Keith (Mari) Justus, Jeff (Lorraine) Himebaugh, Gregg (Ron) Himebaugh and Mike (Nicole) Himebaugh; daughters, Kathy Justus, Karen (Scott) Wood, Teri Himebaugh Arias, Kris (Courtney) Himebaugh, and numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a family committal held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, he requested a gift made in his memory to youth programs at the Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 7th Avenue N. Nashville, Tennessee 37203. Checks made payable to: Barbershop Harmony Society, you also can give at give.barbershop.org. The Barbershop Harmony Society is a 501 (c) (3), memorial contributions can be tax-deductible. On-line condolences may be shared with the family at marshfuneral homes.com.