Loren Cartwright

Loren Andrew Cartwright, age 89, of Washington CH, passed away unexpectedly at Mount Carmel East on Friday, October 17, 2025, following a traumatic fall at his home on Monday, October 6, 2025. His loving family was blessed to be able to surround him at the time of his passing.

Loren was born on January 12, 1936 in Fayette County, and was the second of four boys to Lloyd Henry and Nettie Florence (Coss) Cartwright. He attended the Marion Township School, where at the early age of thirteen, he met his future wife, Mary Ellen Allison. He graduated from Washington High School as part of the Class of 1954, for which he served as Class President. He furthered his education at Wilmington College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Mathematics.

During his high school and college years, Loren served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. After college in June 1959, he transitioned to active duty with the United States Marine Corps, completing boot camp at Parris Island. He also attended Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA. Lieutenant Loren Cartwright and Miss Mary Ellen Allison were then married on December 27, 1959, at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington CH and set off for active military life together.

Loren was stationed at the Marine Corps Bases in Camp Pendelton, CA and Olathe, KS. In his last active-duty assignment, Loren had attained the rank of Captain and supported the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operations as an Air Traffic Controller at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, SC. Upon being honorably discharged from active duty in June 1962, Loren returned to his hometown with his wife and first-born daughter to begin his own family business, the Cartwright Salvage Company. Loren continued to be available for service to his country with the Marine Air Reserve Training Command until being honorably discharged from the Reserves in February 1971.

With Loren's passing, his son Clayton will continue to operate the family business.

Aside from being a proud Marine, Loren was a loving and devoted family man. He and Mary Ellen hosted countless Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, which always included extended family and friends.

Loren was a 32nd Degree Mason with 67 years of membership in The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, Fayette Lodge #107. He was also a member of Shriners International, American Legion Post 25, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 129, National Wild Turkey Federation, the National Rifle Association, and was a VFW Gold Circle Supporter.

Loren was a proud Marine, who was larger than life, a friend to everyone he met, and had a smile that would light up a room. He was personable, always caring, generous and offered help to those in need. Loren and Mary were recognized as Friends of 4-H for their service and dedication to the operation of the Chuck Wagon during her time serving on the 4-H committee.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Lloyd Harold "Ted" in 2008, Gary Gene in 1998 (wife Mary Edna in 2020), and Jack Vernon Cartwright in 2021, and a son-in-law, Shawn Michael McMurray in 2018.

Loren is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, the former Mary Ellen Allison. He is also survived by his four children, Angela Doreen (Richard Knutson) Cartwright, Andrea Allison (Matthew) Barga, Clayton Andrew Cartwright, and Rhodamae Marie (Aaron Hidy) McMurray; and his two grandsons, Ethan Ray, and Connor Andrew Barga. In addition, he is survived by a special brother-in-law, Robert William Allison, with whom he has resided on the Allison Farm since 1962. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Judy May (Allison) Bowdle and Carol (Mong) Cartwright. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, their families, business associates, and a community of friends he found wherever he went.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place Church, 240 Courthouse Parkway, Washington CH, OH with Danny Dodds and Pastor John Pfeifer officiating with burial to follow at the Highlawn Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the Fayette County Honor Guard.

Family and friends may visit at The Gathering Place Church on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 3 to 5:45 p.m. At the conclusion of the viewing, an Elks service will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a Masonic service at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Loren's memory to any of the following organizations, Fayette County Honor Guard, c/o Glenn Rankin, 5024 SR 729 N, Sabina, OH 45169, The Masonic Lodge, Fayette No. 107, PO Box 611, Washington CH, OH 43160, or to BPOE Lodge 129, PO Box 1, Washington CH, OH 43160

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com