Lloyd Noel Fite, of Bowling Green, Ohio, slipped quietly into his well-earned eternal rest on March 25, 2026. Born on April 8, 1941, in Friendship, Adams County, Ohio, Lloyd was the son of John C. Fite and Grace Elizabeth Gordley Fite Ault.
Lloyd graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1959. Soon after that, he met Linda A. Fite, the love of his life. They were married in 1961. Lloyd is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Linda, his sister Jean (Charlie) Ladd, and brother John D. (Joyce) Fite. Lloyd leaves three children—Brian (Jean) Fite, Craig (Marcela) Fite, and Brenda (Jennifer Waldron) Fite—as well as five grandchildren: James, Bradley, Jennifer, Nicole, and Lloyd. Additionally, he is remembered by numerous nephews and nieces and dear friends. Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents and beloved, older sister Carlene (Roy) McCurdy.
Lloyd’s formative years were marked by constant change, as the Fite Family took part in the broader Appalachian migration. During this period, the family moved repeatedly between southern Ohio and the industrial regions of the north until the family finally settled in Bowling Green around 1952. The hills of Adams County held cherished memories for Lloyd, which eventually led to the acquisition of land adjacent to his old family farm.
Our father was one of the hardest workers you would ever know. In high school, Lloyd set pins at the local bowling alley—where he later came close to a perfect game, scoring an impressive 299. He was employed at Johns Manville before moving on to the Chrysler Corporation, eventually retiring as a Production Supervisor at the Dayton Plant in 1998 after three decades of service. Yet, his factory job was just a side hustle compared to his other pursuits. Our father’s determination and enterprising spirit, together with our mother’s partnership and support, resulted in the successful establishment of multiple small business ventures. During the 1960s, they experimented with running a taxi service and managed a couple of rental properties. The turning point came when a beloved uncle introduced Dad to the world of coin-operated laundromats. Embracing the opportunity, our parents purchased their first laundromat in Toledo in 1970. Even though it was in a tough neighborhood, maintaining the business became a family project: Craig and Brian took shifts and learned the ropes of machine repairs, Brenda enjoyed restocking the soda and cigarette dispensers, and Linda handled bookkeeping by counting the cash and change from washers, dryers, & vending machines.
Dad was always on the hunt for his next laundromat. He found the next one right in downtown Bowling Green, Leimgruber’s laundry, which would become The Wash House. In 1988, Mom and Dad built a complex on South Main St. comprised of SouthSide Laundromat, Car Wash, and Storage Units. Not satisfied with just laundromats, Mom and Dad pursued other ventures, while growing their rental properties. They bought LaVogue beauty salon, which became Hair Unlimited. They were the first to bring indoor tanning to Bowling Green, opening The Tanning Center in 1980 and spanning a 43-year run, with four locations at its peak. Other “fun-while-they-lasted” enterprises include The Book Bazaar, The Game Room, and The Dairy Depot. We kids always had a job within the family business.
Our dad leaves a legacy beyond his business enterprises. His love of bowling and driving exists through Brenda to her son Lloyd. His love for fishing has passed on to his many nephews and their kids. His mechanical skills are handed down through sons, Brian and Craig. His service to others while being his own boss is epitomized by grandson James. His strong work ethic and drive shines in granddaughter Jenny. His compassionate spirit for others is embodied by granddaughter Nikki. His easy charm and natural connection to people is exemplified in Brad.
Dad was always a big car guy, and there is nothing he loved better than a ride to the Maumee River in a convertible. We all share that love!
Beyond his family, Lloyd had his own unofficial outreach program whether as a mentor to the teens who frequented The Game Room, or as a friend to folks down on their luck who needed a hand up, some steady work, or just someone to believe in them. He was always there to give someone a second chance and encouragement.
Lloyd was a long-time member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he was raised a Master Mason in Solar Lodge No. 730 while working at Chrysler in Dayton. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green and grew up in the Church of Christ.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bowling Green Manor, Heritage Corner, and Buckeye Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of our husband and father.
Lloyd’s funeral service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Lloyd’s memory be made to the Wood County District Public Library in appreciation for all the money they saved him by supporting Linda’s reading habit! Alternatively, donations could be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Lloyd Fite. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
