Ira E. "Hank" Loudin
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Ira E. “Hank” Loudin, 83, of Rt. 3, Bridgeport, Tolley Road, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 20, 2006, at Ruby Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was born March 26, 1923, in Warren, OH, a son of the late Squire French and Nora Jane (McVicker) Loudin.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Merle G. (Goodwin) Loudin, on September 1, 2006.
He is survived by five children, Nancy Loudin; Shirley Mauller and her husband Richard; Carol Grogg and her husband Danny; James Loudin; and Debbie Farris and her husband Clifford “Willie” Farris; all of Tolley Rd. in Bridgeport. Six grandchildren, Scott Mauller and his wife Courtney; Benjamin, Adam and Tabitha Grogg; Holly and Jessica Farris; a sister, Mary Louise Loudin Howes of Buckhannon, and several nieces and nephews complete his family.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Timothy Grogg; two brothers, Colonel and Calvin Loudin; two sisters, Thelma Loudin and Anna Loudin Dunham; three half-brothers, Nolda, Frenchie, and Lowell Murphy; and a half-sister, Mae Murphy.
Ira was always a hard working man. He began by milking cows and selling that milk to Carnation Foods for distribution. He later became a truck driver for Carnation Foods. He was also previously employed as a school bus driver with Taylor County Schools and at the same time worked as a custodian at the Hepzibah Grade School. He worked on the Tolley Farm and finally retired as a machinist and truck driver with Walter Lewis and Son Machine Shop of Worthington in 1986 after 25 years of service. He was a very active member of the Hepzibah Baptist Church.
Even at the age of 83 he was still providing for his family – tending to his hay, feeding cattle, working his garden, and taking care of his cats. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren – helping them do whatever was needed or just talking about today or stories from when he was young. He would always help his family and friends in any way he could. In the evenings, he enjoyed playing cards or dominoes.
His family and friends will sadly miss him, but they know that he and his beloved wife Merle are now enjoying Heaven together.
Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, on Friday, September 22, 2006 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, Ira will be taken to the Hepzibah Baptist Church, Meadland Road, Taylor County, where he will lie in state from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted in the church at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2006, with Pastor Alan Rosenberger presiding. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.