Wilson Lawrence “Digger” Toothman, 76, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

He was born November 24, 1949, in Bellaire, Ohio, the eldest son of Virginia Jane Wilson Toothman and William Lawrence “Bill” Toothman. Raised in Jacobsburg, Ohio, Wilson was a 1967 graduate of Union Local High School. He attended Ohio University Eastern in Belmont County before enrolling at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1970 with an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science.

Wilson married Linda Ramsay in 1968, and together they shared 58 years of marriage and raised a loving family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three children, Denise (A.C.) Wiethe, Billy (Cami) Toothman, and Jeff (Regan) Toothman; an additional son, Phil Kirksey; and an additional daughter, Kathy (Brian) Street. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chase and Rhyanna Wiethe, Alli Toothman Williamson, Alexis (Bailey) Balcar, Taylor (Noah) Toothman, Abigail (Maddox) Toothman, and Wyatt (Maddy) Toothman; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Jean Balcar; two sisters, Portia (Conrad) Heydle and Susan (Larry) Vicen; and his brother, Clark (Jean Ann) Toothman; his aunt, Jeanne Schroeder Rawson; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wilson devoted his professional life to serving families through Toothman Funeral Home, where he worked from 1964 until 2024. Following his apprenticeship under the direction of his father, Bill Toothman, he received his Embalmer License in October 1971 and his Funeral Director License in January 1972. He served as President of Toothman Funeral Home from 1980 until 2012.

His dedication to the funeral profession extended well beyond his family business. Wilson was a Past President of District 12 of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and served four years on the Association’s Board of Directors, including service on the Master Trust and Health Insurance Committees. He was also a member of the Ohio Embalmers Association and the Belmont County Funeral Directors Association.

Wilson was deeply committed to his community and to service. He served as President of the St. Clairsville Jaycees from 1972-1973 and as State Vice President of the Ohio Jaycees from 1973-1974. During his Jaycee service, he received the Bob Schmidt Award as one of Ohio’s six Outstanding State Vice Presidents. He was named Jaycee of the Year in 1974-1975 and again in 1977-1978, and received his JCI Senatorship in 1979.

A longtime member of the St. Clairsville Rotary Club, Wilson joined in 1974 and served as club president in 1985-1986. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and served as District Governor’s Representative from 1986-1987.

Wilson also served on the Mental Health Board for Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe Counties from 1977 to 1985, including one year as chairman. He was a member of the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce and a member and former club treasurer of the True Sportsman’s Club in Jacobsburg.

Faith and fraternal service were important parts of his life. Wilson and his family are members of Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville. He was a member and Past Master of Weyer Lodge #541 F. & A.M. in Centerville, serving as Master in 1980 and again in 2011, and was currently serving as lodge secretary. He was also a member and Past Patron of the former St. Clairsville Chapter #510 Order of the Eastern Star, now Weyer Chapter #515 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Steubenville; Osiris Shrine in Wheeling; and El Tor Grotto in Wheeling.

Wilson was also active in supporting organizations and causes that reflected his interests and passions. He served on the NRA Banquet Committee and the Ruffed Grouse Society Banquet Committee.

Above all, Wilson will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his lifelong commitment to serving others, and the many friendships he formed throughout his life. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.

The Toothman family would like to give special thanks to a special friend, David Basalla for all that he did for Wilson throughout his illness.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 12th at 9:30 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Bradley Call officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Memorial donations may be made to our neighbors who serve our community the Cumberland Trail Fire District, for the members of the district, C/O P. O. Box 505, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.