Francis Thurman "Termite" McGilton, 94, Belmont, passed comfortably at the Wheeling Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.

He was preceded in death by parents Thurman O. McGilton and Mildred M. (Masters) McGilton, a wonderful loving wife of 55 years of marriage Helen Victoria (Sall) McGilton, son Richard Allen McGilton, a grandson Kenneth Thurman McGilton and brother Laverne "Tex" McGilton.

Francis McGilton left his legacy as a wonderful Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and a friend to those who knew him as Junior or Termite. He was born in Stewartsville, OH on Sept. 21, 1923. Francis spent over 30 years as a butcher for the M&K, and Co-Op stores, and he retired from the Shoemaker Mine in Benwood.

Francis enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, watching sports and westerns on tv, and he expressed his love and thoughtfulness by his donations to help children, soldiers, and others in need.

He is survived by his loving family consisting of his daughter Vicky and her husband Larry Townson of Powhatan, a Son Michael and his wife Joan McGilton of Barnesville, and son Nick McGilton of Adena; Francis was also blessed with 12 surviving grandchildren: Richard, Candace, Tracy, Eric, Crystal, Carla, Chris, Gabe, Misty, Mike, Nick, and Joe; and 18 great-grandchildren: Ian, Gavin, Ashley, Nellie, Regan, Serriah, Morayo, Holden, Destiny, Erica, Richard, Keegan, Alexandra, Ashton, Chayce, Kaison, Sophie, and Caleb.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where services will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. with Rev. Theresa Bobot officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, Ohio.