George Lobaugh Howley

George Lobaugh Howley

March 30, 2022 – June 6, 2025

George Lobaugh Howley—our beloved Cheechy boy—passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by love.

He is cherished by his mother Staci, father Kevin, great-grandmother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

We don’t know where the word “Cheechy” came from—but it became the perfect name for his miraculously joyful spirit. George couldn’t speak, but he radiated joy and connection. His smile had its own language. He made every day better.

George loved baking cookies with his mom, listening to stories, going on car rides, joining family game nights, and diving into therapy sessions with his whole heart. He adored Llama Llama, Little Blue Truck, Curious George, Elmo and Cookie Monster, and Zach Bryan. He lit up during bath time, had a special love for bears, and always enjoyed Montauk Mike.

He made deep connections with those who cared for him, including the complex care team, his “8A girlies,” his ICU nurses, and his home hospice and therapy teams.

He was the best part of every day.

George was God’s greatest gift. Through him, we learned what it means to be Cheechy—to choose joy no matter the circumstance.

We are deeply thankful for every person who walked alongside George, loved him, cared for him, and shared in his light. He brought incredible people into our lives, and that, too, has been a gift beyond measure.

We are especially grateful to JPMorganChase and Marussia Beverages for their grace, compassion, and unwavering support during George’s medical journey. Their understanding gave us the time and presence we needed to care for our son and cherish every moment with him.

We hope you will think of George and choose to be Cheechy, too.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption. Burial will follow immediately in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, OH 43130.

Instead of flowers, please consider a gift to Nationwide Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care through the Butterfly Guild. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/giving