Robert Dean McCluggage

Lt. Col. Robert Dean McCluggage USAF, (Ret.) 98, (Green Twp.) Salem, died at 4:22 PM Thursday, October 5, 2023, Cleveland Clinic/Mercy Medical Center, Canton.

He was born on April 28, 1925 in Salem, the son of the late Frank and Clara (Barnes) McCluggage.

Mr. McCluggage was also know as “Bob, Dean, Mac, Irish and Colonel”. He attended local schools and graduated from West Branch High School in the early 40’s. Dean entered into the Army Air Corp shortly after graduating high school. It took him on a 27 year career in the military serving in WW2, Korean and Vietnam Wars until his retirement and reserve obligation expired in the US Air Force. He was a pilot of B29, B36, B47, and B52 over his career.

Dean had worked various places before and after the military and in the middle prior to being called back for the Korean War. He was a pie delivery man then on to Alliance Mfg. And returned there after service, Ohio State Highway Patrol (Steubenville Post), A charter pilot for Crowe out of N. Benton Airport, company pilot for a trucking co. in Columbus, and a Metal Arts teacher at West Branch High School from 1971-1986. He returned to Kent State University while teaching to earn his teaching degree and graduated in 1976. There were numerous occasions where he served as a Census taker.

Dean had numerous interests over his life. His career in the Air Force helped him develop his love of flying. He and his brother owned Cessna 182 airplane. He had been called upon later in his military career to pick up a B-36 and fly it to the museum in Dayton, Ohio. Dean also found enjoyment riding around on Indians, Yamaha and Honda motorcycles. He rebuilt two Indian bikes and others as a hobby. It really did not matter what was happening, you could usually find him working and tinkering on things around the house and following the Cleveland Indians.

The military family leave time were great for family events and gatherings. He always felt the importance to keep up with his relatives and the Johnson relatives over the years.

He and his wife Alice attended the Greenford Christian Church, he later attended Salem Salvation Army and most recently Madison Trinity Church in West Point. He was a 65 year member, Past Master and 32 degree Mason of the Perry Masonic Lodge # 185 F & AM and the former Salem Eastern Star.

Dean is survived by his children; Teresa Cheryl McCluggage of Canton, Douglas Robert (Carolyn fka Clegg) McCluggage of North Jackson and Ethelda Jane (George) Hartman of Hubbard, six grandchildren; Bryan and Joel Wilson, Marc Baetsch, Katy McNaughton, Luke McCluggage and Michele Leigh Bell, and five great grandchildren; Laney McCluggage, Jerrod, Madigan and Aaron Baetsch, and Lincoln McNaughton, a sister Mildred Demes of Copeland Oaks, Sebring.

He was preceded in death on October 25, 2012, by his wife of 67 years, the former Alice E. Johnson whom he married May 12, 1945, his siblings; Cloyd (10 yrs old), Leroy (US Army), Lee (US Air Force and US Navy), Ruby Rocks and June Diehl.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7:15 Pm, at Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem, with Chaplin Ted Barnes of the Salem American Legion Post # 56 officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio with full US Air Force honors.

A time of visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 PM to 7PM at the funeral home, followed by a masonic service at 7 PM.

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