It is with heavy hearts and love that we announce the passing of Howard J. Lorey of Caldwell, Ohio. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who left this world as the sun was rising on November 18, 2024, at the age of 78 at his home with his sweetheart, Darlene Malenda Lorey, holding his hand. He was born February 24, 1946, in Dudley, son of the late Raymond T. and Cora E. Lori Lorey. He spent his life as a steady rock to his family, working hard with his hands and providing for those he loved. He was a 1965 graduate of Shenandoah High School. From 1966-1969, Howard was employed by Fischer Construction, working on Interstate 77 around the Macksburg area. From 1977-2009, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for B&N Coal Company, from which he retired. He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. Howard was a master mechanic who loved classic cars, especially his 1978 Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup and his 1974 Chevrolet Nova, which he restored along with his son-in-law. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and he enjoyed gardening. Howard was devoted to his family. Though he may have left us, his spirit will live on in the family that remains. The bond between each member reflects his unwavering love and commitment. He was a proud, loving father who taught them all what it meant to work hard, love deeply, and hold family close.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Lucille Jones, Dorothy Hesson, and Charlene Thompson; and his brothers, Clarence, John, and Charles Lorey.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Darlene Malenda Lorey, whom he married June 1,1968; his children, Amy S. (Rob) Snodgrass, Melanie R. (Adam) Archer and Sherry L. (Jay) Burris, all of Caldwell; 13 grandchildren, Bobby (Nicole) Snodgrass of Caldwell, Morgan (Tyler) Smoke of Canal Winchester, Ohio, Bryan (Lorin) Snodgrass of Cambridge, Ryan (Kayla) Snodgrass of Quaker City, Parker Burris of Caldwell, Kadence Archer of Caldwell, Maria (Garrett) Chalfant of Kailua, Hawaii, Preston Smith of Caldwell, Jaylin Burris of Stow, Ohio, Elijah Smith, Jocee Archer, Baylee Archer, and Aubrey Smith all of Caldwell; 7 great-grandchildren, Paisley Snodgrass, Dawson Smoke, Owen Snodgrass, Zailynn Kelso, Charly Snodgrass, Emilia Snodgrass, Lucas Snodgrass; one brother, Richard P. Lorey of Charlotte, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Gladys Lorey of Canton, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial visitation will be observed Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2-4PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where a celebration of life service will follow visitation at 4PM with Ken Perkins officiating.
