Edward Kelbaugh

Edward Kelbaugh, 80, of Bowling Green, Ohio, a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle dedicated companion and loyal friend passed on to his next adventure in the early hours of 17 March.

Ed was born in Alliance, Ohio to Burton and Maxine Kelbaugh. The family moved from Alliance to Buffalo, New York where Ed liked to ski, ice skate, and toboggan. When Ed’s father was transferred to Ohio, the family bought a home in Canfield. While attending Canfield High School, Ed played the trombone in the high school band as well as the American Legion band under the direction of Paul Rossi. Ed delivered the Youngstown Vindicator to over 200 customers and was proud to have the largest paper route in Mahoning County. He belonged to Boy Scout troop 25 and often shared stories of their canoe trip in Canada. Although Ed’s parents forbade him to play contact sports, he was on the 1958 Canfield High football team.

After high school, Ed attended Youngstown State University where he joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and majored in business administration. He enlisted the Navy and served on the USS Kaskaskia from 1961-1964. Ed then worked at the Toledo House of Corrections until he retired. Retirement lasted for a few weeks, when he announced to the family that he had been hired as a greeter at the Bowling Green Walmart. He received Walmart’s "Greeter of the Year” award and retired a second time after another 20 years.

Ed loved exploring the countryside in his truck visiting local antique shops, bidding at farm auctions for unique treasures and greeting everyone with a memorable smile. When Ed was at home, he enjoyed being engulfed in the current football or basketball game, keeping up with his beloved artificial intelligence programs or listening to smooth jazz with a pet or two in his lap.

Those left to cherish his memory include his former wife, Bonnie Hyter, his treasured daughter and caregiver, Susan Kelbaugh Rybicki (Brian), her four wonderful children: Kielee, Rachael, Nichole, and David, his son, Daron Kelbaugh and his children, Devon and Dilon, three adoring siblings, Karen Street (Ed), Margie Lefler, and Kenneth Kelbaugh (Dorothy Wilkins). Many nephews and nieces from coast to coast, love and cherish their uncle as well as Ed’s long time and close friend, Beth Brown.

Preceded in death by his parents, E. Burton Kelbaugh and H. Maxine Clark Kelbaugh as well as his traveling companion Linnea Jean Rohleder (1948-2003), and his beloved partner Jill Stickney Conner (1952-2021).

A Celebration of Life will be held in Grand Rapids, Ohio later this year.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Bowling Green Animal Rescue, or to a charity of your choice.

Throughout his life, Ed concluded his visits, letters, calls, and FaceTime by saying “Enjoy the adventure.” In his honor, enjoy your adventure.

Condolences may be made to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."

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