Robert "Butch" Householder

Robert “Butch” Householder, age 78, of Salem, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at home with his nephew Bob by his side.

Born on September 14, 1947, in Youngstown, Butch was the son of the late Robert and Margaret Cronogue Householder. A veteran of the United States Army, he served during the Vietnam War as a PT boat driver with the “River Rats” during the 1968 Tet Offensive. After his military service, he worked at several steel mills in the area and retired as a millwright from Copperweld Steel in Warren. During those years he also assisted his good friend, Dr. John R. White, a professor and anthropologist at YSU, on various archaeological digs and explorations. In retirement, Butch devoted time to the local Veterans Administration, helping fellow veterans. He embraced life with enthusiasm, finding joy in adventures, riding motorcycles with his nephew, and singing karaoke. Above all, he cherished meeting the love of his life, Kathy, whom he married in 1986.

Butch was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Householder, his parents, and his only brother, Warren Householder.

He is survived by his nephew, Robert “Bob” (Leanne) Householder of Washingtonville; his great-niece, Marlaya Householder; many extended family members; and his beloved dog, Mallie.