Howard Allgire
Howard C. Allgire passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family. He was 87.
He was born August 23, 1937 at home in Waterford, Ohio to the late Stanley H. and Ruth E. (Phillips) Allgire and the family later moved to a small farm near Lexington. He met his best friend and future wife, Marilyn Burger, on the bus route to school in 1951.
Shortly after high school the couple married on July 14, 1957 and together raised their family of three daughters and a son.
Howard attended The Ohio State University for a short time, but when his father purchased St. James Elevator in 1956, he returned home to work side by side with his father until 1972. For the next 22 years he worked as an agent for Prudential Insurance. After “retirement” Howard started the OAK Agency in Galion along with Gary Ogle and Steve Kinstle.
Howard built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Howard and his father raised Montadale sheep, and showed at fairs in Illinois, Ohio, and New York. Howard also had a deep love for craftsmanship, spending countless hours refinishing furniture and tending meticulously to his yard. Every blade of grass and polished piece of wood bore his signature blend of precision and pride.
He loved people deeply and was known for his steady presence — “always there, but not in the road.” He cheered the loudest at his grandkids’ games, never missed an OSU football game, and held on tightly to his Cleveland Indians fandom through every season. Christmas was his favorite time of year — a season that reflected his joyful, generous spirit.
Howard had a gift for jokes and storytelling and was the kind of man who was never late, always prepared, and lived with an orderly sense of purpose. But more than anything, he loved Jesus Christ.
He received Jesus Christ as his Savior in his early teens and strived to follow Him closely the rest of his years. He taught Sunday School for teenagers for 50 years and he and Marilyn led the music ministry at Christ Church in Galion and Bucyrus Alliance Church for many years. He considered his greatest achievement to be serving the Lord through music and teaching. His faith shaped everything he did, and his life was a testimony to quiet strength and unwavering belief.
Howard was hardworking, supportive, fun-spirited, and filled every room he entered with a sense of comfort and calm. He loved his family with his whole heart and lived each day with intention and love. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, laughter, and love.
He will be remembered by many and greatly loved by his family including his devoted wife of 67 years Marilyn Allgire, children Laura Carol and Brian Theaker of Placerville, CA, Lisa Ellen and Jeff Havlin of Burton, OH, Lynna Ruth and Jim Layfield of Butler, OH, Steven Howard and Katie Allgire of Bucyrus, OH; grandchildren Jeffrey, Monique, Rosa, and Jude Theaker; Aaron Havlin, Lindsey Giles, Keli Havlin, and Zane (Kelly) Havlin; Jennifer (David) Rieman, Jaime (J.E.) James, Jordan (Dustin) Crunkilton, and Cody (Gabby Carr) Layfield; Bradley (Sarah) Allgire, and Kevin (Halie) Allgire and 18 great- grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law Sarah (John) Eichler and a brother and sister-in-law Philip (Janet) Allgire all of Galion.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Leslie Ruth Allgire, great granddaughter Teigan Grace Allgire and his father and mother-in-law Donald and Mary Ellen Burger.
The family will receive friends Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. A family-centered graveside service will be held in Iberia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fredericktown New Life Community Church youth program in memory of Howard Allgire.
Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to read Howard’s full obituary and watch his tribute video.