Howard R. Waugh

Howard R. Waugh, age 94, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Holzer Medical Center. Howard was born on January 2, 1922 in Lancaster, Ohio, son of the late Homer and Lulu Sims Waugh, Sr. He was a 1940 graduate of Mercerville High School and a 1948 graduate of the Columbus Barber School. Howard partnered with Harry McGhee and Ted Wiseman to barber in downtown Gallipolis from 1948 to 1965; from 1965 to 1984 he worked out of his barbershop at 1044 Second Avenue where he resided. He also worked at the Gallipolis State Institute from 1945 to 1983 as a psychiatric aide. Howard served in the U.S. Army 39th Combat Engineers Battalion during World War II from September 1942 through September 1945 when he was honorably discharged. Howard was the recipient of a Bronze Arrowhead, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Five Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Howard served with General Patton's 3rd Army and was with the invasion force at Anzio Beachhead, where one of the bloodiest battles of World War II occurred. He was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 4464 where he served as Junior Vice Post Commander from 1979 to 1980, Post Senior Vice Commander from 1980 to 1981 and Post Commander from 1981 to 1982. He was also a member of the American Legion Lafayette Post 27. Howard proudly wore his uniform to participate with the honor guard for funeral detail and the color guard at local parades, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day ceremonies. Howard received a Honorary Military Hero Award in 2011 and numerous awards for his service to our country and to his community. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio. He was married to Jessie Mae Hill Waugh on April 10, 1948 in Catlettsburg, KY and she preceded him in death on October 3, 2003. He was also preceded in death by a stepson Michael E. Reapp, a stepgrandson Patrick Reapp, three brothers Homer L. Waugh, Jr., Merrill S. Waugh, Carl B. Waugh and one sister Jewell F. Steele. He is survived by his daughter Ellen (Kevin) Werry of Gallipolis, granddaughter Jessica Mills of Gallipolis, step grandsons Kaleb Werry of Gallipolis and Brian Reapp of New Port Richey, FL. Two great grandchildren Colton and Savannah Mills, whom he adored. Sisters in law Maxine Waugh of New Albany, Ohio, Mary Emma Waugh of Crown City, Ohio and Emma Lee Waugh of Rodney, Ohio and a host of nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday, March 18 at Willis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 19 at 1 PM, with Pastor Alvis Pollard officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by V.F.W. Post 4464. Pallbearers will include; David Mills Jr., Ryan Shafer, Trevor Shafer and Bruce Waugh. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the National WWII Museum 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, or to the U.S. Military organization of your choice. Howard was a true soldier and patriot who loved his country, family and especially his fellow veterans. Although he can now rest from his duties, his memories will live on in all those touched.