John Jae Cantees, 88, of South Charleston, passed away on August 24, 2010.
John was a 1941 graduate of Williamson High School and attended the University of Kentucky and graduated from Marshall University. He proudly served his country in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield after 30+ years of service and was an active member of several service and social organizations. John married the love of his life, Cleta Belle Cantees on April 19, 1950. They remained devoted to each other for over 60 years, each passing within days of each other.

He was loved and respected by his family and friends. John was well known by all for his keen sense of humor. He enjoyed playing card games with his family and friends as well as dancing with his wife, Cleta.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Cleta Belle Cantees; parents, George and Anna Cantees; brothers, Sam Cantees, Tom Cantees, Kamel Cantees and Cullen Cantees; sister, Adeba Cantees.

John is survived by his son, George Everette Cantees of Charleston; daughters, Debra Lynn Walters (Ron) of Cross Lanes and Janet Charis Cantees of South Charleston; step-daughter, Kathrine Burgio (Anthony) of Brook Park , OH; grandchildren, Samantha, Nena, Celeste, John, Ronald, Christopher, Jason, Joseph, Joanne and Michael; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Josey, Bella, Hannah, Aubrey, Dominic and Gianna; brother, Harry Cantees; sister, Jeanette McCoy; as well as a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
A Service to Honor the Life of John Jae Cantees will be held at 11:00am, Friday, August 27, 2010, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Pastor Dana Holter officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.