Roger "Lodie" Edmiston

Roger Lowell “Lodie” Edmiston, 87, of South Charleston, died on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in Oakwood Village Health Center. Roger’s jovial personality warmed the hearts of his family and friends. He had a playful sense of humor and enriched others’ lives with his giving nature. Roger was born on December 6, 1927 in South Charleston, Ohio to Raymond L. and Louie (Chapman) Edmiston. Roger was a graduate of South Charleston High School, class of 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Battleship Missouri during World War II. A highlight of his navy days was shaking hands with President Harry S. Truman while the President travelled aboard the battleship. Roger was a 35 year employee of The International Harvester Company retiring in 1983. He began working there as a tool and die apprentice and ended his career as general foreman of that department. He also worked at Crowell Collier Publishing and was an agent with Motorists Mutual Insurance Company. During his retirement Roger was a team member on the Hummer vehicle prototype project. He taught classes at Clark Technical College. Roger was a lifetime member of the South Charleston United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He especially enjoyed singing in the chancel choir. He was active in organizations in the South Charleston community: the first volunteer fire department, two terms on the Southeastern Local School Board, American Legion Post 176, Community Club, Heritage Commission, and Petunia Festival. Music was an integral part of his life from an early age as Roger began playing the marimba as a child. His tenor voice was heard with the Springfield Harmony Knights and the Notes for You barbershop quartet. Roger also enjoyed model railroading and built intricate layouts. He was a member of Fielding Lodge #192 of South Charleston, Eastern Star, Grand Council Royal and Select Masons, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, and Antioch Shrine. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth. Survivors include his loving wife, Joanne (Robe) of 67 years; son Ronald (Joyce) Edmiston, South Charleston, OH; daughter Paula (Jim) Arter, Urbana, OH. Roger is also survived by his much loved grandsons: Ryan Edmiston, South Charleston, OH; Seth Arter, Urbana, OH; and Drew Edmiston, South Charleston, OH. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 16 in the Ingling Williams & Lewis Funeral Home in South Charleston. Masonic rites will be held at 6:45 p.m. Roger’s funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 in the South Charleston United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Smalley officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the South Charleston United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Honor Flight Dayton, Inc. 525 Victory Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504.

Roger "Lodie" Edmiston

December 6, 1927 - March 12, 2015