A Life Well Lived: Belmont County Tourism Council Remembers Eugene “Doc” Householder

With our deepest condolences, the Belmont County Tourism Council celebrates the life of Eugene “Doc” Householder and the impact he made to Belmont County. He served as Executive Director of the Tourism Council for 28 years.

Householder promoting tourism in Belmont County.

Eugene "Doc" Householder, 94, of Barnesville, Ohio passed away on December 27, 2022 at WVU Barnesville Hospital.

Householder began his professional career in 1949 working for Moore’s Store in Barnesville. After 23 years with Moore’s, he purchased the Western Auto store, which he managed until 1992. In 1974, he opened Householders Furniture, which operated until 1998. For over 50 years, Doc was a valued member of the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Barnesville Kiwanis Club. He was honored by the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce with the Community Service award in 2016.

Householder attended the first Barnesville Fall Festival meeting and became its president. His longtime involvement in the committee helped the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival grow into one of the largest pumpkin festivals in Ohio.

Householder was a founding member of the Pumpkin Festival committee. He is pictured at the festival in 1981, second from right in the front row.

Householder was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Parade.

Householder was an integral part of the tourism council since its inception in 1983, serving as the first president of the board of directors. He was appointed executive director in 1989. His passion for his community and county was demonstrated throughout his tenure as he tirelessly promoted Belmont County as a tourist destination.

He held the Executive Director position for 28 years until his retirement in April 2017 at 88. His accomplishments include helping create the Belmont County Sheriff’s Residence Museum (now the Belmont County Heritage Museum), starting annual events such as the Rubberneck Tour and his dedication and involvement with the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.

Doc is pictured welcoming crowds at Jamboree In The Hills.

Dickinson Cattle Co. in Barnesville is one of the many Belmont County attractions that Householder helped promote.

Householder (holding a microphone) is pictured at the National Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire.

Householder presents a check to the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society at the annual banquet. Also pictured is GSV committee member Dan Frizzi.

Householder blows out candles on his birthday cake at the grand opening of the Belmont County Sheriff's Residence.

Belmont County Tourism Council extends our deepest sympathy to the Householder family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Funeral arrangements and memorial contribution information can be found on the Wilson Funeral Home website.