Bigler, Howard E., 88 of the Captina Valley, Jacobsburg, died Sunday, August 1, 2010.

He was born January 14, 1922 on German Ridge near Powhatan Pt., OH the son of Edward and Mary (Kislig) Bigler. He graduated from the McKinley Trade School, worked in the industrial and construction sectors, retired from Ormet Corporation, and was a lifelong "Master" family farmer. Howard was active in various organizations including service as the President of the former Powhatan School Board, previous President of the Barnesville Area Feeder Calf Association, as well as various other agricultural related groups. He was a lifelong member, and past Elder of St. John's United Church of Christ, where he was a longtime member of the choir.

Howard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Atlantic Theater aboard the destroyer the USS Knight, and later aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Kearsarge. He was active in two of the most significant naval battles of the war: Anzio Beachhead, and the Battle for Salerno, as part of the D-Day invasion.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean L. (Caldwell), a son Dennis (Alexa), and grandsons Trevor and Mason, brother Vernon of Baltimore, OH, and sister Lorraine Lewis of Baltimore, MD. He was preceeded in death by son Brian H., brother Carl, and sisters: Dora, Elda, Vesta, Inez, and Jessie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's UCC Perpetual Care Fund, 51750 German Ridge Road, Powhatan Pt., OH 43942.

Visitation 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 3 at Toothman Funeral Home, 49484 OR&W Station Road, Jacobsburg, OH. On Wednesday, August 4 visitation will be held at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's United Church of Christ, Powhatan Pt., OH with services at 12:00 o'clock Noon to be conducted by Reverend Carla Wobschall, and Reverend Richard Wilson. Interment to immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Powhatan Point VFW will conduct Military Graveside Services in the cemetery.