Howard E. Gruber

Howard E. Gruber, 77, of Cheshire, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at his residence. He was born June 12, 1939 in Marion, Ohio, son of the late John C. and Rosalie Graff Gruber. Howard married Gerry L. Handley on April 2, 1983 and she survives him. He was a graduate of Marion Harding High School. He was retired from CSX Railroad where he worked as a machinist/diesel mechanic. Howard enjoyed hunting, wood working, and making clocks. Surviving are his wife, Gerry Gruber of Cheshire; four children, Jamie (Robin) Gruber of Bidwell, Chris (Danielle) Gruber of Cheshire, Darla (Joseph) Friend of Mt. Vernon, Ohio and Debra Neel of Jacksonville, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, Dustin, Danny, Michael, Savannah, Bryce, Maison, Gavin, Lucy, Scarlett, Isaiah, Hailey and Caleb; several great grandchildren; one brother, Francis (Michelle) Gruber of Marion, Ohio. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by one son, Michael Gruber, one sister, Lucille Kramer and two brothers, Charles and William Gruber. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Gruber and Pastor Heath Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Eddie Richter, John Raneger, Keith Handley, Michael Gruber, Bryce Gruber, Chris Gruber and Jamie Gruber.