By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For more than twenty years, Jack Senger worked for O.K. Trucking as divisional sales manager, and for decades more he was a committed father, friend, and countryman.

"He loved to share time with his friends and family," said his wife of 52 years, Polly Lauten Senger of East Walnut Hills. "He was very much a great friend and he loved his country. He was very patriotic."

John W. "Jack" Senger of East Walnut Hills, a longtime resident of Sharonville, died Tuesday at the Hospice of Cincinnati of cancer. He was 81.

Born in Danville, Ill., Mr. Senger graduated from Danville High School in 1940. His studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign were interrupted in 1942, when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Stationed as a tank commander in Europe, Mr. Senger was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to the university. In 1949, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

While a Danville resident, Mr. Senger worked for Hyster Company, a maker of forklifts, from 1951-1957, and then accepted a sales manager position with Hall Freight Lines.

When O.K. Trucking bought out Hall Freight Lines in August of 1969, Mr. Senger was promoted to division sales manager and transferred from Danville to Cincinnati.

He retired in 1991.

He was active in the communities where he lived. While in Danville, Mr. Senger was a member of the Rotary Club, Danville Country Club, Elks Lodge, American Legion, and the Government Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped.

Interested in sports and politics, Mr. Senger served as Danville Police Commissioner and was a fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals, as well as teams from Notre Dame and the University of Illinois.

In Cincinnati, he was a member of the Traffic Club, the University Club and Hyde Park United Methodist Church.

A brother, Frank, preceded him in death.

In addition to his wife, other survivors include three sons, John W. II of North Avondale, James L. of Southlake, Texas, and Thomas E. of Matthews, N.C.; and four grandchildren.

Services have been held. Burial was in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville.

Memorials may be made to Hyde Park United Methodist Church Homebound Fund, 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati 45208, or to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati 45263-3597.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com