Auxiliary Captain June I. Cain

Auxiliary Captain June I. Cain was Promoted to Glory on May 9, 2024, at the age of 89. June was born in Akron, Ohio on June 14, 1934, to Jasper N. Willey and Dorothy C. Reynolds Willey Cooper.
June graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1952 where she excelled in music.  She was a member of The Salvation Army Akron Citadel where she served for many years as the Young People Sergeant Major which included leading vibrant ministries for teens and young adults. It was there she met her husband, Eugene S. Cain. June and Gene were married April 24, 1953 and settled in Stow, OH and later, Cuyahoga Falls, OH. They enjoyed over 30 years of marriage and family life before Gene’s sudden passing at age 52 (March 25, 1985).
As a new widow, June felt the call of God upon her life to serve as a Salvation Army officer. She began her ministry with the rank of Envoy in August 1986 and was appointed as an Assistant Officer in Canton, OH.  With a new designation as Auxiliary Captain, she was assigned as Assistant Corps Officer in Watertown, NY and Springfield, MA before becoming Corps Officer in Waterville, ME in August 1988.  She served in Waterville until her honored retirement from active officership in June 1999.
Upon her retirement, June returned to her home in Akron, OH serving faithfully at the Akron Citadel Corps. “Captain June” faithfully ministered to thousands of shut-ins at homes and hospitals. This included gospel music, faithful preaching, and loving pastoral care.  She believed in sharing the Gospel of Jesus through music. She served many years as church organist and euphonium player in the Salvation Army brass band.  June was also well known for her direction of countless church musicals at Easter and Christmas for both the youth and adults.  She waited all year to play Christmas carols on her euphonium at the Salvation Army Red Kettle each holiday season; a tradition that continued through Christmas 2023.
In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert L. Willey, Gerald N. Willey, Charlotte L. Deloe, and Betty A. Thompson.  She is survived by sister, Eileen Bertschi of Akron, OH.
June and Gene were the loving parents of Steve L. Cain (Cindy) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Donna J. Cain-Pollock (Rob) of Akron, OH, Cheryl L. Knerien of Lakemore, OH, Paul Cain (Alma) of Wilmore, KY, and Sylvia J. Williams (Homer) of Bradford, PA. June enjoyed showering her love upon her 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on SATURDAY, May 18, 2024 at 12:00pm at The Salvation Army, 190 S. Maple St, Akron, OH.  Preceding the service, there will be a time of visitation beginning at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Salvation Army Akron Citadel , 190 S. Maple St, Akron, OH, to support the local music programs.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.