Michael D. Wootton

Michael D. Wootton, 84, of Athens died Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Kobacher House, Columbus.  Born February, 1941 to the late Verne and Shirley Wootton, in Columbus, Ohio.  

After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, spending six months on active duty, and the remainder at monthly drills.  

He attended The Ohio State University, graduating from the OSU College of Dentistry in 1965.  He was commissioned a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps and served two years as a dental officer at Fort Jackson, SC.  

After his discharge from the army in 1967, he and his wife Maureen moved to Athens, where he established a general dentistry practice.  After the Athens National Bank fire of 1971 destroyed his office, along with those of Dr. Wm. Cuckler, DDS and Paul Gerig, Atty., he moved to Blue Line Drive, where he saw patients until the flood of January, 2005.  After that property-ruining event, he had an opportunity to join as an associate with Michael Ginder, DDS at Athens Dental Depot, where he remained for three years.

Later, he filled in at Drs. Riestenberg and Lavelle, after retirement, until 2010, when he completely retired from active practice.  He continued to work for the Health Department doing screening exams for the school dental sealant program.  He stayed with the Athens City/County Health Department, serving on its board as president for a decade, through 2021.

Soon after moving to Athens, he became involved in community organizations, including Ohio Valley Summer Theater, where he was board president for two years, Athenian Players, and Actor's Moveable Theatre, in which groups he was in several productions.

He was a choir member and musician (churches, Choral Union, and Athens Communiversity Summer Band).  He was also a talented artist and studied under the late Murray Stern.  Some of his paintings can be found locally.  One of his proudest achievements was a set of Masonic symbolism paintings which can be found on permanent display in the meeting room of the Athens Masonic Temple.  

He was a member, and past president of the Hocking Valley Dental Society, a member, and delegate to the Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Athens Downtown Kiwanis, Athens Symposiarch, and Paramuthia Lodge No. 25, F&AM (serving as Worshipful Master and Treasurer).  He was also a member of York Rite Bodies, where he attained the title of Knight York Cross of Honour.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Maureen, a son Ross (Renee) Wootton of Sugar Grove IL, three grandchildren, Hannah, Ben, and Sam, two sisters, Megan (Richard) Chociej and Molly (Jim) Pearson, and a brother Mark (Claire), as well as several nephews and nieces.   He loved his sisters-in-law Susie (Doug) Noe and Becky Tuttle, and appreciated them for their kindness and care for him.  He also wanted to acknowledge his loyal friends, P.J. Gerig, Dan Inman, and Dave Snow. 

In addition to his parents,  he was preceded in death by  his beloved son, Tommy.  

Although he had many accomplishments over his lifetime, he should be remembered for his love, kindness, conscientiousness, and loyalty to those who knew him.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens with a memorial service to follow led by Pastor Phil Foster. After the memorial, Masonic Rites will be conducted by Paramuthia Lodge 25 F&AM.  Interment with the family, will occur at West Union St. Cemetery where KT Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards will conduct Military Funeral Honors.  A remembrance get-together will occur at Mike's favorite spot, The Cider House, at a later date.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tommy Wootton, to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society of America (now known as Blood Cancer United).