Vernon E. "Joe" Case

Vernon Eugene “Joe” "Lipps" Case, 75, of Hopedale, Ohio, passed away on August 18, 2025. He was born October 30, 1949, in Steubenville, Ohio, and lived his entire life in Hopedale.

Joe is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Lana Case; his sons, Chad (Nikki) Case of Hopedale and Ryan Travis (Kristen) Case of Wintersville; his cherished grandchildren Corey, Jordan (Caitlin), Nathan, Logan, Devan, Alyssia and Drake; and the apples of his eye—three great-granddaughters, Evangeline, Charlotte, and Penelope; siblings, Verna Rensi of Hopedale, Dianna Dunlap of Hopedale, Richard Case of Hopedale and Mark Case of Hopedale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Bernice (Busby) Case, and his beloved son, Rodney J. Case; and siblings, Shirley Bruno, Harold Hall and Eleanor Santille.

A 1967 graduate of Hopedale School, Joe was known in his younger years for his love of football, drag racing, and the great outdoors. While he enjoyed hunting and trapping—once harvesting 98 grouse in a single season with his brother-in-law, Sam Santille—his greatest passion was golfing. Whether on the green with close friends or simply enjoying the game, golf brought him lifelong joy and companionship.

Joe also found peace in the woods, often sitting quietly in his tree stand just to watch the deer. His love for hunting and trapping was something he shared widely, taking many of Hopedale’s youth with him to teach them how to hunt, track, and prepare game.

Over the last 15 years, Joe bravely battled many health issues, including three bouts of cancer. Through it all, he never gave in, drawing strength from his determination to care for and remain by the side of the love of his life, Lana.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for the time spent with his golfing and card-playing buddies, who shared laughter, competition, and friendship with him until his very last day on the course.

Joe lived a life full of love, humor, and resilience. His legacy will carry on through his family and the many lives he touched in his community.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Hopedale Church of Christ, 306 Lahm Drive, Hopedale, Ohio 43976 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 5:00 p.m. with Dean Blythe officiating. Joe will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Hopedale.

The memorial guestbook may be signed at clark-kirkland-barr.com.