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Mahlon Rouch Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mahlon Rouch
Steve Galloway
February 20, 2025
Mahlon was the best basketball announcer for high school games. He was so nice and had a great voice. Was a good friend and always made it a point to speak to you. One of the best!!!
Reed Smith
March 1, 2012
Mahlon believed in me when others didn't, and gave me my start in broadcasting in 1968. His faith started me on a road that I would never have dreamed I would travel. He was always kind and encouraging. He is often in my thoughts, and I extend condolences and fond memories to his family.
Sharon Yost
March 1, 2012
To The Family Of Mahlon Rouch: My sympathies to you all! I was just 12 years old when Mahlon Started on WHIZ, but I remember his pleasant voice and attitude. I always enjoyed watching & listening to him. God Bless You All!
Debbie Gregg Janakiefski
February 29, 2012
My prayers are with you all as you mourn your loss. Thanks for sharing Mahlon with the rest of us as we grew up listening to him.
Pat and Mary Jo Lyon
February 29, 2012
Mahlon,thank you for all the Great Memories. You had "The Voice" that made every game we listened to with you a beautiful experience.
okey&Diana Martin
February 28, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 28, 2012
To The Rouch Family,
Mahlon was a one-of-a kind broadcaster who provided our family with many great highlights.
Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you.
Most Sincerely,
The Kozaks (Herb, John, Margo, Steve, Chris, Lisa, and Tricia)
Glenn Wheeler
February 27, 2012
Kevin and family,
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was the pioneer of announcers in the Zanesville area. It was always great to talk to him before and after games that he broadcasted. For a community to have class acts like your Dad and Van and Jim to do your games was a big honor for us as players. Your family is in my prayers.
Rod Williams
February 27, 2012
Sincere sympathy to the family
John Bates
February 27, 2012
To the Rouch Family,
I also was one of the fortunate who worked with Mahlon at WHIZ. I worked both on the floor crew in the studio and in the film department doing editing and filming on location with him. Of course when Mahlon was around I hesitate to call it work, he made work a joy.
Mahlon was a consummate professional on-air but also had a sense of humor and manner that would always lighten your spirits. I was a young kid back then, but Mahlon treated everyone like an equal and taught by example how to not only be a great journalist but a great human being.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. He will be missed by us all.
Leigh Hylkema
February 27, 2012
To Kevin and Sally and the Rouch Family:
My sincerest sympathy on Mahlon's passing. He was such a nice man and a good friend to my family. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Dave Bell
February 27, 2012
To the Rouch family,
Mahlon was a pioneer in the broadcasting of girls basketball and without his efforts the fans at home would have missed a lot of great play by play. My deepest sympathy to the family; he will be missed.
Jennifer (Roby) McCarty
February 27, 2012
Kevin, Sally and Family,
It is sad to think that such a powerful voice is silent. I have so many memories of listening to Mahlon on the radio. I could easily tell he loved doing what he did. It was more than a job, it was his passion. I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Kinneer
February 27, 2012
Mahlon..AM radio was never the same without you. Your enthusiasm and over the top emotion made you feel like you were there through my little transistor radio. May peace be with you and your family
Dave Weidig
February 27, 2012
Mahlon had his own unique style doing games on the radio, especially basketball. His knowledge let you know what exactly was going on, and his enthusiasm and emotion made you feel like you were there. He was one of a kind, a great guy and this area was lucky to have him all those years. He's at peace now, Sally and Kevin. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Steve Galloway
February 27, 2012
To the Rouch Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your Father. I got to know Mahlon while playing high school basketball, and I always looked forward to seeing him at our ball games. He was always a professional and he will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. God Bless..
Steve Galloway
February 27, 2012
Kevin, so very sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close at heart. I remember when we were in school and your dad on the evening news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stephanie (Stevens) Paul
Al Mayo
February 27, 2012
Mahlon was a mentor and sounding board for me as I began my radio career. I was a wet-behind-the-ears kid when he took an interest in me and helped guide me. I recently got together with a few friends from WHIZ and Mahlon was a big part of the conversation. He will certainly be missed.
Jon Hartmeyer
February 27, 2012
To the Rouch family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember meeting Mahlon as a kid going to work with dad at the station.
Steve & Rose Oliver
February 26, 2012
The the Rouch family:
We are so sorry to hear about your fathers death. Mahlon was a great man with a fantastic sense of humor. We enjoyed being around him and listening to his many stories. You are all in our prayers.
Steve and Rose Oliver
Mike Bates
February 26, 2012
An icon in sports broadcasting is no longer with us and I am deeply saddened. Mahlon touched many young lives with several memorable broadcasts. The Blue Devils will miss you and remember you always.
Shirley Cohen
February 26, 2012
Sally and family, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lisa Bunting- Turner
February 26, 2012
Sally and Kevin,
I am so very sorry about the passing of your dad. I remember growing up
and seeing him on the news each evening. I just wanted you to know I
was thinking of you at this difficult time. Keep your memories close to your
heart, they can never be taken from you. Take care.
Van Vannelli
February 26, 2012
Kevin and Sally: So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. We are travelling to Arizona or we would be there. Mahlon and I shared the same birth date, February 1st, and made light of it every year. He was a grand, thoughtful, and knowledgeable man. I admired his forthrightness and humanity. I really enjoyed working with Mahlon.
Cary Dice
February 26, 2012
Sorry to read of Mahlon's passing. In college, I worked a summer as a floorboy at WHIZ-TV on the 6pm and 11pm news. Sixteen year-old Chris Evert was just starting to make a name for herself. When I prepared her photo for a shot during the sports segment, I told Mahlon I thought she was hot. At every mention of her the rest of the summer, he would always introduce the story as "and the floorboy's favorite, Chris Evert....". He made work fun and was a joy to be around. My condolences to the family.
Nick Powell
February 26, 2012
My best memory of Mahlon was seeing how he and the other contestants enjoyed being judged during the 1974 Zanes Trace Commemoration's beard-growing contest on the front steps of the county courthouse. His smiles and laughs that day were memorable!
Kevin Rouch
February 26, 2012
Thanks very much for everyone's generous and heart-felt comments. Our family will miss my dad more than we can say. He was one-of-a-kind.
One thing I would like everyone to remember about my dad is how deeply he cared about Zanesville and the sports he covered. It wasn't just a job for him - it was his life. He suffered through every loss and celebrated every win as though he were participating on the field, the court, the diamond, or the track.
I will forever picture him behind a microphone, with a set a headphones on, looking over at me not only as his junior statistician, but also as an extension of his life, a life lived with a deep, booming voice that could captivate any audience, especially his proud son.
Again, thank you to all who have taken the time, or will take the time, to record your comments here. Your words, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated more than my family and I can express.
Talisha Grimes
February 26, 2012
So very glad I had the chance to know Maholn & care for him he was a very special person
Jim Frederick
February 26, 2012
Sally..Kevin..and Family..
Words cannot put into perspective how much your dad was respected and admired in the broadcasting business. However, he was much more than an expert journalist who knew sports inside and out..He was a great friend and mentor to a young guy from Pittsburgh just getting started in 1974. We had so much fun and enjoyment in the radio broadcast booth and on the golf course for so many years. When you think of Mahon Rouch..you think of an unselfish..articulate friend who would do anything for anyone. He is tops in my book and I know the people whose lives he touched in his many football..baseball and basketball broadcasts feel the same way. Always be proud of your dad and his accomplishments. I will always remember him for his laughter and friendship.
Joe Howard
February 26, 2012
My deepest sympathy to your family. I grew up watching Mahlon on WHIZ, and my family worked at both the TV and radio station. I still remember my brother bringing home an "outtake" reel, showing Mahlon goofing around after the segments ended. He was so funny!
Kathy Durochik
February 26, 2012
To the Rouch Family:
We are sorry for your loss.
Remember the good times you shared together.
Love to you all, Gary and Kathy
Levitt Family
February 26, 2012
Our condolences to the Rouch family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 26, 2012
Kevin:
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He is one person in my past sports years that I will never forget.
I had many good times and have many memories of him both as a sportscaster and many more just him as a friend.
Please except our symathy to and your family.
Sincerley,
Chris & Bob Wolfe
June Aitken Minner
February 26, 2012
Your father had a big part in my growning up - I started working with him in 1967 right after graduation at WHIZ Radio. Only seventeen and what exceitement working at a radio station.
He was a very carrying and fun person. We worked together for five and half years. I am glad I got to be a part of his lifeand him mine. Such a great person.
Joe Smith
February 26, 2012
To the Rouch Family:
On behalf of all of the former athletes, cheerleaders, parents and fans from Bishop Rosecrans High School, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. With every broadcast that he covered at Rosecrans your Dad was a huge booster, perhaps even a “homer”, even though he made his play-by-play as impartial as possible. “Only a Soff-O-More” was a favorite as he explained to his listening audience that the young lad Mahlon was highlighting was doing a noteworthy job battling the upper class opponents. Kevin, it seemed that you were barely walking before you were seen carrying in some of his equipment; what a great opportunity you had to sit aside of a master! May Mahlon rest in peace, and may the prayers from us all carry you all through this trying period.
Thanks, Mahlon; go in peace to the next big Game!
BRHS
Nancy Kildow
February 26, 2012
Kevin, Sally and family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 26, 2012
A wonderful man blessed with a happy, loving family. Thinking of you. The Booths....Galen, Pam & Eric
Frank Kampel
February 26, 2012
To Mahlon's Family:
I want to express my deepest condolences to you in light of Mahlon's passing. I am one of many who worked with him in the broadcast world many years ago. May God grant you peace, hope and strength as you remember him.
Rev. Frank Kampel
Nick Powell
February 26, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the Rouch family.
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