Jerome Riley Doute

Jerome Riley Doute, 78, of Lima, Ohio, born February 21, 1948, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 8:41 p.m. at St. Rita's Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Mahlon Doute and Virginia Cecil (Rader) Doute, and his brothers, James L. Doute and Donald C. Doute.

He is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Lyn Doute, of 58 years of marriage, 62 years total.

His children: Jon-Gabriel Doute, Geoffrey (Vivian) Doute, Erin Doute (Zachary Maisch), Kristin (Steve) Ritchie; grandchildren: Keyton Doute (Ryan Samaroo), Nathaniel Doute, Emerson Doute, Henry Doute, Sofia Doute, Rylee Turgon, Grayson Turgon, Kaleb Shade; great-grandchildren, Sofia Samaroo and Gaia Samaroo.

Mr. Doute was a 1966 graduate of Lima Senior High School. He received his bachelor’s degree, majoring in English with a minor in Philosophy, from The Ohio State University in June 1985, and his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University's Pettit College of Law in December 1987. Jerome dedicated his life to service of his country, his community, and his family.

After graduating from Lima Senior, he was drafted to serve in Vietnam, serving from September 1967 to July 1969 as a Cryptographer in Korea and Vietnam, and was honorably discharged.

Upon his return, he worked as a guard at Oakwood Correctional from 1970–1976, then served as a police officer from 1976–1982, including time with the Tri-County Task Force. He left law enforcement to pursue his studies in the legal profession. After earning his law degree, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio, then joined Weiner and Associates, where he began his career in criminal defense. He later returned to Lima, where he maintained his practice for 34 years advocating for his clients. During that time, he also served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern College and Rhodes State College.

He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. His passion was his family, music, reading classic literature, fly fishing, sailing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and photography.

As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "What we do now echoes in eternity." His echo will live on in all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on August 29th, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Copper & Cloud, Second Floor of 130 North Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45801.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.