Howard William Ogden, 77, of Sinks Grove, passed away on Sept. 15, 2026, at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born in Philadelphia on July 25, 1949, a son of the late Howard Ogden and Anne (Anastowski) Ogden.
He and his wife later made their home first in Greenbrier County and then for many years in Monroe County. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Davis & Elkins College and went on to serve as a Pre-Employment Educator at Davis Stuart, Inc., a role that reflected his commitment to helping young people prepare for the future.
Howard was an armchair historian especially of American history, and as an avid reader and book collector he carried that interest with him throughout his life. He loved walking the Greenbrier Trail at every opportunity and working in his year-round vegetable garden. Music was his life-long passion and he was deeply devoted to American and Appalachian music. He played several instruments but in particular, he loved the banjo, and he was one of the best contemporary old-time banjo players in West Virginia.
Above all, Howard valued his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Toni (Irace) Ogden, and by their three children: James Vincent Ogden and his wife Heather of Staunton, Va.; Sarah Rowan Ogden of Olympia, Wash., and Marcy Tofilia Doty and her husband Steven of Harrisonburg, Va. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Nathan, Logan, Julian, and Sam.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter Bajz Marie Ogden.
In accordance with Howard’s wishes, he will be cremated. Family will gather at a later date to scatter his ashes along his beloved Greenbrier River.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Ogden family online at www.lobbanfh.com
