Vernon Joseph McEldowney

McELDOWNEY, Vernon Joseph, age 88 of Centerville, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with his wife and daughters by his side. Vernon was born on October 31, 1937, in Versailles, Ohio, to the late Wilbur and Clara (Monnin) McEldowney.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Douglas J. McEldowney, his brother and best friend, Edward J. McEldowney, his sister, Mary Evelyn Borgert, his sister-in-law, Phyllis McEldowney, and his brothers-in-law, John Borgert and Roger Pohl.

Vernon is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Elaine (Subler) McEldowney; his children, Sondra (Gerard) Quinn, Lora (Daniel) Eckle, and daughter-in-law Pamela McEldowney; grandchildren, Jared (Casey) Quinn, Megan Quinn, Mackenzie Eckle, Meredith (Dylan) Miller, Allison (Nick) Fisher, and Chris (Kate) Barks; great-grandchildren, Oliver Quinn, Dawson Fisher, Hazel and Pearl Barks; sisters, Arlene Pohl and Cecelia (Dan) Reid, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Vernon was a graduate of Versailles High School, Toledo Barber School, and attended Miami Jacobs Business College. He served in the U.S. Army, was stationed in Germany, and received the Good Conduct Medal. He retired from General Motors. After retiring, he barbered until he was 70 years old. He was a faithful member of the Church of the Incarnation, where he volunteered his time as an usher for over 40 years. He enjoyed traveling, yard work, fishing, playing cards with Bruce and Darla, going to horse races, watching sports, and, most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a devout Catholic, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his wonderful storytelling, his welcoming personality, and being loved by so many.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45429, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at the Church of the Incarnation, Centerville, Ohio, officiated by Father Brian Phelps at 1 p.m., followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.