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Henry Edward “Butch” Filter, 78, beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother, passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2026, at UH Geauga Medical Center in Chardon, Ohio. Born in Wheeling on February 26, 1948, to the late Kesty J. and Mary Eliza (Burgess) Filter, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ken and Kesty Filter. Butch grew up with strong roots in the community and distinctly appreciated the high quality of the Catholic education he received. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Moundsville with the Class of 1962, and later from Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen with the Class of 1966. He credited the caliber of this educational foundation as being fundamental to his later successes and his genuine enjoyment of life. Following his high school graduation, Butch joined the Navy, was assigned to the CBs, and served with distinction to become a decorated Vietnam War Veteran with multiple medals and citations including a Silver Star. Following his honorable discharge in 1969, Butch worked for many years as a long-distance truck driver, hauling across the Western states and Great Plains — frequently driving routes through Kansas, Texas, Montana, and the surrounding areas — before retiring from the road to become the founder and longtime owner/operator of Filter’s Transmission Service. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and St. Jude Parish in Glen Dale. An avid Harley Davidson owner, Butch deeply cherished his motorcycle days and the close friends he made on the road. His leadership and passion for riding led him to serve as the President of his motorcycle riding group. Driven by a vibrant intellectual curiosity, Butch possessed a lifelong love of reading, of books, and of learning. He was particularly fascinated by history, ancient civilizations, and historic mysteries. Above all, Butch had a big and very soft heart, completely unable to say no to anyone who came to him in need. This compassion extended to his love for animals and nature; he cared for many beloved pets throughout his life, most notably his St. Bernard, Jake, and his cockapoo, Cuddles. He had a profound love of gardening in all forms, from flowers to vegetables, finding great joy tending to the earth. In his later years, Butch thoroughly enjoyed recounting adventures from his truck-driving experiences out West as well as sharing his many fond childhood memories. He made friends wherever he went, so was rarely without a willing audience. He is survived by his companion of many years, Alice Glenz, and her son Johnny; sister Mary Kay Filter Dietrich; sons Shawn and Henry (Angela) Burke; grandchildren Emily and Aidan Burke; great-grandson Axel Burke; beloved nieces Heather (Urs) Batzel and Season (Matt) Burris; great-niece Adelena; great-nephews Benjamin and Thomas; and Isaac and Sarah McCombs, who have always been there for Butch and have become a treasured part of Butch's family. Visitation: Wednesday, August 19th, 3 to 6 PM at Grisell's Funeral Home, Moundsville, WV, concluding with a prayer vigil. Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 20th 11 AM at St. Jude Church, Glen Dale, WV followed by interment at Riverview Cemetery, Moundsville, WV with graveside military honors. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Catholic Church, 710 Jefferson Ave., Glen Dale, WV 26038.

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Henry Edward "Butch" Filter

February 26, 1948 - August 5, 2026