Virgyle H. Hougendobler

Virgyle H. Hougendobler, age 92, of Huntington, Indiana, passed away in Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, FL, on Monday, December 19, 2022.

He was born September 19, 1930, in Columbia City, IN, to the late Howard Harlan and Mildred (Spear) Hougendobler.  He shared his birthday with his mother and daughter Virginia. He was married to his loving wife, Sarah “Kathy” (Goodwin) Hougendobler who survives.

Virgyle had many careers in his lifetime.   He owned and operated Standard Electric for 60 years.  During that time he also was part owner of Executive Aviation at Baer Field Airport in Fort Wayne, ran a cattle farm, and most of all he owned many apartments and a mobile home park and was a landlord to hundreds of families.  Virgyle’s love was helping others, and for over 20 years, Virgyle was a pyro-technician.  He was in charge of the Huntington Fireworks.  He also put on fireworks shows for casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi,and many shows all over Indiana and Michigan.

Virgyle and his wife traveled to 67 countries together, in their 48 years of marriage. Many times they visited the same countries; his favorite being Greece, where they traveled 15 times.  He was looking forward to another trip this spring.

Virgyle was a member of the New Hope Church in Huntington, a life member of the VFW Post #2689, American Legion Post #85, and the Huntington Moose Lodge.  

In addition to his wife, survivors include his son, Dr. Duane (Jenny) Hougendobler, Fort Wayne, IN; daughters, Diane (Gary) Gearhart, Huntington, IN, Christie (Steve) Grove, Tampa, FL, Emily (Dave) Ormiston, Clearwater, FL; grandsons, Matthew (Dawn) Rupley, William and Daniel Hougendobler, Kenneth (Paula) Bell, Landon Grove; and granddaughters, Jill (Noel) Eltzroth, Janelle (Doug) Wiley, Amanda (Brittany) Bell, Kate (Kelton) Person and Sophia Grove.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Lexin, Corah, Blaise Rupley, Eli, Brit Eltzroth, Kate, Ian Wiley, Micah, Holden and  Brennen Bell.  

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia L. Bell; brothers, Weldon, Argyle, Orville; and sisters, Marie Scheiman, Ruth Dickerson, Betty Leininger, Louise Double, and Noreen Hougendobler.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Church, 2001 Engle Street, Huntington, IN.   

Additional calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with an 11:00 a.m. Funeral service to follow at New Hope Church, 2001 Engle Street, Huntington, IN, with Pastor Ray Seilhamer officiating.   

An Entombment will be held later at South Park Cemetery, Columbia City, IN.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the New Hope Church building fund in care of McElhaney-Hart/Deal Rice Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.

McElhaney- Hart/Deal Rice Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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