Howard Roger McGlothen

Howard Roger McGlothen, 88, of Vermilion, passed into eternal life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Kingston of Vermilion following a lengthy illness.

He was born February 12, 1938, in Peebles, OH. Howard had lived in Vermilion for the past five years, having previously resided in Mt. Vernon and Bellevue, Ohio.

Howard proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He went on to work as a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern for 34 years, retiring in 2000 after a dedicated career on the rails.

A man of strong faith, Howard was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon and St. Mary Catholic Parish. He also belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Wood Carvers Association. Howard enjoyed staying busy, especially with woodworking projects. He often described himself as “a jack of all trades and a master of none,” a phrase that reflected both his humility and his many talents. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Patricia (née Sutter) McGlothen of Vermilion; his son, Roger (Rosemary) McGlothen of Clyde, Ohio; his children, Nelson (Minna) Gildenmeister of Broomfield, Ohio, Jay (Evelyn) Gildenmeister of Howard, Ohio, Lisa (Sam) San Gregory of Franklin, North Carolina, and Gwen (Craig) Fisher of Vermilion; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Clyde Hoffer and Ronald Storer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carvis and Mabel (née Lorenzo) McGlothen; his son, Timothy McGlothen; great-granddaughter, Maci; and Jamie; sisters, Peggy Hoffer and Linda Storer; and brother, Carvis McGlothen.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a prayer service at 11:00 a.m. at Riddle Funeral Home. Veterans honors will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH.

Inurnment will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Bellevue at a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 3 Summit Park Drive, #550, Independence, OH 44131.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com