Virgil Erwin Gilkey

STOW - Virgil departed this life surrounded by the love of his family on November 24, 2025.

Virgil Erwin Gilkey, was born in Barberton, Ohio, on November 28, 1934, to Virgil R. and Beulah Gilkey. Virgil graduated from Barberton High School and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Osberg and USS Laning, based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. While there, he was set up on a blind date in 1956 and met the love of his life, Joan Jewell, from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. That date led to their marriage on December 15, 1956, and they celebrated over 65 years together. They eventually settled in Stow and have resided there ever since.

Virgil retired from Goodyear International in 1991 after 33 years of service. His many interests included sports, listening to music, model building and tracing family genealogy. Family, vacations and spending time with friends and relatives were important to him.

Virgil was predeceased by his wife, Joan; parents, and siblings, Allen, Richard and Velda.

He is survived by his loving children, Cynthia Rich (Randy), Donald Gilkey (Joanie) and Colleen Erwin (Jay); his grandchildren, Karla Garinger (Rick), Craig Rich (Victoria Gray), Cassandra Gilkey and Maggie Gilkey, and by his step-great granddaughters. Virgil is also survived by many nieces and nephews who referred to him as their “Favorite Uncle.”

We will never forget some of his famous quotes ~ “We’re off like a herd of turtles” and “See you around like a donut.” He will be dearly missed.

Pastor Dan Page will conduct services at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow 44224, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 7 PM, where friends may call from 5 PM, until time of service.

Committal service will be held at Silver Springs Cemetery, 5080 Stow Road, Stow 44224, on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 12 noon.