Clay "Tim" Ihle
Title
Clay "Tim" Ihle
Source
Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home
Date
March 12, 2025
Text
Meigs County lost a great man when Tim Ihle, 70, of Rutland, OH, passed away March 12, 2025 after a horrific accident near his home. Tim was born in Pomeroy, OH on May 12, 1954 to Doris Ihle and the late Edward Ihle of Racine. In addition to his father, Tim was preceded in death by his brother Frank.
Tim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane. Through this union they had a beautiful daughter, Sara (Joshua) Will of Chester and a fantastic son, Aaron T. (Molly Levacy) of Rutland. Sara and Aaron gave Tim three wonderful grandsons, Noah Daniel Will, Jackson Clay Will, and Creek T. Ihle. Tim was never “grandpa” but was rather known affectionately as “Grandpa Dude” or just the “Dude”. He was also blessed with a bonus daughter, Tracy Pickett, and bonus grandchildren Tenley & Callie Levacy.
Tim was a general contractor for 37 years, building custom homes in and around Meigs County. When he hung up his tool belt as a contractor, he put on a different tool belt -full of character, passion for doing what is right, and life lessons. In 2010, Tim entered politics by running for and winning a County Commissioner’s Seat. He took his “new toolbelt” to work with him every day as he championed for Meigs County and the people he represented. He served as a Meigs County Commissioner for 11+ years, whereupon he was appointed to the Treasurer position in 2022. Tim accomplished many things in his years as a county official and has truly made a tremendous difference in the county. Tim always said, “do things right, and leave it better than you found it”. He did just that through his devotion to his offices, co-workers, and citizens. Tim’s political positions took him to Washington D.C. on a few occasions, and he was planning to return there shortly.
Tim called himself a “word-a-maker”. He could craft a story like nobody else. He was often asked to tell a story at the commissioner meetings and asked to speak at various functions. Whether it was a fishing story from the Cranberry, an elk hunt from Colorado, or a life lesson from an active childhood growing up in Racine, he took the listeners with him through the adventures and always left you with something to think about. People knew they were going to hear an entertaining story, and usually a subtle jolt to think deeper, love harder, and live with purpose.
As many know, Tim LOVED the outdoors. He made many trips with many a hunting friend to Colorado in search of Elk and Mule Deer. He seldom came home empty-handed. He also enjoyed hunting whitetails on the family farm with his son Aaron and cousin, Arnie Green. Tim also made annual trout fishing trips to the Cranberry River of West Virginia with his son and late brother Frank.
Tim loved farming and all aspects of the country life. He had many cows and horses over the years. Taking care of his cattle was to be the last task God had for him on this earth. Tim always called his cattle “therapy cows” and said whenever he had a problem, he’d sit and talk to his cows. They never said much but always listened! He also had a kennel full of another favorite pastime – Australian Shepherds. His dogs were his babies.
Tim was a Christian and a deeply spiritual man. We will miss him with all our hearts and forever. Friends may call at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy on Sunday Mar. 16, 1-5pm. There will also be calling hours Monday Mar. 17, at 1pm, with a Funeral Service at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Meigs County Dog Shelter.
Tim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane. Through this union they had a beautiful daughter, Sara (Joshua) Will of Chester and a fantastic son, Aaron T. (Molly Levacy) of Rutland. Sara and Aaron gave Tim three wonderful grandsons, Noah Daniel Will, Jackson Clay Will, and Creek T. Ihle. Tim was never “grandpa” but was rather known affectionately as “Grandpa Dude” or just the “Dude”. He was also blessed with a bonus daughter, Tracy Pickett, and bonus grandchildren Tenley & Callie Levacy.
Tim was a general contractor for 37 years, building custom homes in and around Meigs County. When he hung up his tool belt as a contractor, he put on a different tool belt -full of character, passion for doing what is right, and life lessons. In 2010, Tim entered politics by running for and winning a County Commissioner’s Seat. He took his “new toolbelt” to work with him every day as he championed for Meigs County and the people he represented. He served as a Meigs County Commissioner for 11+ years, whereupon he was appointed to the Treasurer position in 2022. Tim accomplished many things in his years as a county official and has truly made a tremendous difference in the county. Tim always said, “do things right, and leave it better than you found it”. He did just that through his devotion to his offices, co-workers, and citizens. Tim’s political positions took him to Washington D.C. on a few occasions, and he was planning to return there shortly.
Tim called himself a “word-a-maker”. He could craft a story like nobody else. He was often asked to tell a story at the commissioner meetings and asked to speak at various functions. Whether it was a fishing story from the Cranberry, an elk hunt from Colorado, or a life lesson from an active childhood growing up in Racine, he took the listeners with him through the adventures and always left you with something to think about. People knew they were going to hear an entertaining story, and usually a subtle jolt to think deeper, love harder, and live with purpose.
As many know, Tim LOVED the outdoors. He made many trips with many a hunting friend to Colorado in search of Elk and Mule Deer. He seldom came home empty-handed. He also enjoyed hunting whitetails on the family farm with his son Aaron and cousin, Arnie Green. Tim also made annual trout fishing trips to the Cranberry River of West Virginia with his son and late brother Frank.
Tim loved farming and all aspects of the country life. He had many cows and horses over the years. Taking care of his cattle was to be the last task God had for him on this earth. Tim always called his cattle “therapy cows” and said whenever he had a problem, he’d sit and talk to his cows. They never said much but always listened! He also had a kennel full of another favorite pastime – Australian Shepherds. His dogs were his babies.
Tim was a Christian and a deeply spiritual man. We will miss him with all our hearts and forever. Friends may call at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy on Sunday Mar. 16, 1-5pm. There will also be calling hours Monday Mar. 17, at 1pm, with a Funeral Service at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Meigs County Dog Shelter.
Original Format
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Citation
“Clay "Tim" Ihle,” Meigs County Library History Site, accessed June 7, 2025, http://66.213.69.5/items/show/26265.