Lloyd J. Kimble, 83 of Hopedale, Ohio, died on Dec. 9. He was born Dec. 12, 1931 in Steubenville, Ohio to the late Lloyd & Mary (Campbell) Kimble. Proceeding him in death, was his wife of 59 years, Pauline (Baker) Kimble on Oct. 15, 2012. Loving father, he is survived by his son, Richard (Linda) Kimble of Hopedale, Ohio; and daughters Paula Kimble and Lee Anne (Ed) Huffman of Wooster, Ohio. Beloved Grandfather of JT (Laramie) Kimble of Leesville; Jeff (Kate) Kimble of Lincoln, Nebraska and Cody Huffman of Wooster. Great grandfather of Kanin and Emmaline; brother to Robert “Bob” (Charlotte) Kimble of Crocket, Texas. After graduating from Steubenville High School in 1950, Lloyd went to work for Wheeling Pittsburg Steel, where he worked in the open-hearth until 1967 when it closed. He then transferred to the company’s fire department, where he worked for 14 ½ years as the assistant fire chief. He retired in 1981 after 31 ½ years. Lloyd served as a Petty Officer 3rd Class Electronic Technician in the Naval Reserves. When he moved to Hopedale he joined the Hopedale Volunteer Fire Department and was a member for more than 40 years, serving as a training officer. He was very involved in his community. He helped organize and was on the original board of the Harrison County Emergency Squad, where he was instrumental in starting and equipping the original Harrison County E-Squads. He served five years as Special Deputy for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and as Hopedale Marshal for two years.
Lloyd’s passion was flying, he was well known as the pilot that gave many their first airplane ride. He learned to fly in the early 1950’s and flew with the Civil Air Patrol on search and rescue missions. He flew sky divers a number of years. He held a commercial pilot’s certificate and was a licensed radio operator. Lloyd was appointed in 1966 to the original Harrison County Airport Authority. He would serve for twenty- six years, serving as chairman for fifteen years. Lloyd had been interested in emergency service since a youth. He recalls that during World War II as a Boy Scout he enjoyed collecting scrap for use in the war effort.
When Kimble began his “second career” as Harrison County Civil Defense Director in 1965, the primary function of that agency involved “concerns about enemy attack and possible nuclear warfare during the cold war.” The position transitioned into that of Disaster Services. He retired from the full-time position of Emergency Management Director in July 1992, having protected Harrison County resident from natural and created disasters for 27 years. Lloyd secured equipment and million of dollars in aid over the years.
Lloyd was the epitome of an active servant of Harrison County, serving on the following boards; Local Emergency Planning Committee, Harrison Regional Planning Commission, Harrison County Litter Control Board, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, North Ohio Valley Air Authority, Muskingum Water Shed Conservancy Board, Firemen Association and Harrison Hills City School Board of Education. Lloyd & Pauline were chartered members of the National Campers and Hikers Association Land of Lakes Chapter of Cadiz. They loved to camp in their travel trailer and toured most of the United States with their children each summer and continued so until their retirement in 1992. They were able to retire and enjoy time in their winter home in Ellenton, Fla.
Lloyd was the “go to” person. He rarely sugarcoated his ideas, always had the facts and figures, held the respect of his listeners and his word was his bond. He was a strong force in local government and you always knew where he stood on issues.
Those wishing to honor Lloyd’s service to Harrison County are asked to make a memorial contribution to the Hopedale Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 271, Hopedale, Ohio, 43976. The family is honoring his wishes that there be no services. Interment will be held privately at the New Alexandria Cemetery where Lloyd and Pauline will be together again.