Dr. Charles K. Dilgard, 97, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed peacefully on to his heavenly home on May 20, 2026, surrounded by loving family. He was the beloved husband of Sarah (nee Flannery) (Deceased), Father of Ann Lawson, Linda Dew, Donald Dilgard, Step-father of Joyce Beck and Karen Pardieck (deceased). Proud grandfather of 9 grands, 19 greats and 1 great-great. He was pre-deceased by parents John & Beulah Dilgard, and siblings Betty Keener, Ruth Hall, and Richard Dilgard.

He was born in Ashland, Ohio, February 12, 1929, graduated from Ashland High in 1947, and earned a business degree from Ashland University in 1951. During his youth and early adulthood, he worked in his father’s “Dilgard Auto Parts”. He served as Ashland County Treasure 1957-1962, and resigned to work full time for a district of the Evangelical United Brethren Church as Treasurer and Business Manager. In 1966, he was recruited to serve as the CEO of Otterbein Homes in Lebanon, Ohio, where he served until retirement in 1994. During his 28 years, Otterbein grew from 133 residents at Lebanon, to over 1300 residents in campuses, in 4 added locations in Ohio. He authored a reference book, “Financial Management Guide for the Non-Profit Homes for the Aging”. He received many honors from state and national nonprofit organizations, including an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Otterbein University in 1984, and recognition as “Outstanding Alumnus” of Ashland University in 1992.

He provided administrative leadership in the founding of the Warren County Foundation, where he served as Treasurer and board member. Throughout his life, he also served on numerous other boards and committees, generously sharing his knowledge, expertise, and leadership.

At the time of his birth, his family were active members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and he was present in church, beginning the day after he was born. During his time at Otterbein, he encouraged and supported the pastoral care of residents. His faith was a foundation for his entire life, and he often shared with family that his blessings were simply immeasurable.

As a lifelong musician, he played the French horn in his younger years and participated in the Otterbein Choir, along with several other choral groups throughout his life.

He began his love of RV travel in 1958, and during retirement enjoyed countless trips in his motor home, often bringing family members along to experience the joy of travel and adventure together.

He also enjoyed photography and maintained an incredible library of family photos and VHS tapes that preserved decades of treasured memories. He enjoyed walking several miles a day, whenever possible, and believed that staying active was essential.

His family was blessed by his presence at countless birthday parties, concerts, ballgames, holiday gatherings, and many other get-togethers, where he was often found playing Yahtzee or Uno with his grandchildren & great grandchildren. He cherished sharing meals together, especially when ice cream was involved.

During an interview, reflecting on his lifelong commitment to service, he shared: “Volunteers also live longer and are happier than inactive people,” Dr. Dilgard insisted. “Studies confirm that keeping the mind and body active adds to your life and brings a sense of fulfillment.”

He lived a life full of service to God, to community, and to his family, and leaves an enduring legacy of brilliance, generosity, and love.

Services will be held on: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Otterbein Community Church

585 N. State Route 741

Lebanon, OH 45036

Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Service: 12:00 pm

Burial to follow at Otterbein Cemetery

Colorful attire welcome!

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Charles Dilgard can be made via the Warren County Foundation.

Donations support the Warren County Historical Society, the Otterbein Lebanon UMC music program & other organizations that provide benefit to the residents of Warren County.

https://www.warrencountyfoundation.org/donate

(Under Memorial Funds, Click Donate, then choose "Gifts in memory of Dr. Charles Dilgard")