Staff
Our staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.
Owner Tommy Routsong works with a remarkable team of individuals to provide you a outstanding service. The Routsong family of associates are highly skilled and caring individuals who are empowered to help you create a service that is truly meaningful and fulfills all your needs. You will be given undivided attention and compassion throughout your experience with us.
Tommy was born and raised above the Oakwood Chapel, in Dayton, Ohio. He became an active member of the Routsong team by the age of nine. He received his Bachelors Degree from Albion College in 1979 and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1981. In July of 2002, Tommy purchased the business from his father, Thomas H. Routsong, who remains active in the community and assists his friends when called upon. Tommy is the third generation of Routsongs to take over the helm of this family owned business. He is a member of David's United Church of Christ, Oakwood Rotary Club, Far Hills Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine, Dayton Art Institute and Dayton Country Club. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Community Blood and Tissue Center of Dayton and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) and is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Mortuary Response Team. Tommy is a Certified Celebrant, Certified Funeral Planning Consultant and a Certified Pre- Planning Consultant.
David was born in Dayton and graduated from Franklin High School in 1976, where he was very proud of being on the 1974 gymnastics team that won state that year for Franklin.
He joined the United States Navy after high school and retired out of San Francisco in 1996 after 20 years of loyal service to his country. David served on board the USS Independence, USS Eisenhower and the USS Kitty Hawk during his time in the Navy and loves telling a story or two about his many experiences working on the flight deck and being part of such an amazing operation.
David came on board with Routsong Funeral Home in 1999. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 2000 and became a licensed Funeral Director in 2001 after an apprenticeship for a year. David’s present position is General Manager.
He is a member of Centerville Rotary Club and attends Southbrook Christian Church.
David is very proud of his two children, David Jr., Krista and grandchildren, Alexis, Olivia, and Dawson.
He is also proud of his four legged family members, Stella and Grey.
Sam is part of the fourth generation of Routsongs to work at the funeral home. He has been a full-time team member since June of 2016, but previously had worked in many of the positions around the funeral home. In June of 2019 Sam completed all the state of Ohio requirements and tests to become a fully licensed Funeral Director. He has since completed his Funeral Celebrant Certification. To date he has made arrangements with over 600 families while learning every aspect of the business from his father and grandfather.
When he isn't working Sam can often be found spending time outdoors, including hiking, camping, or gardening. He also enjoys exploring all Dayton has to offer, whether it's going to a Dragon's game or finding a spot at a new restaurant or hole-in-the wall.
Sam is especially proud to be carrying on his family's tradition of helping others in their time of need.
Erika L. Warsitz-Knox joined our team of caring professionals in October of 2021. Erika graduated from Beavercreek High School in 2016 and continued her education at Sinclair Community College earning an Associate’s Degree, and finally earning her Bachelor of Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 2019. After graduating, Erika earned her licenses as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, Crematory Operator, and a Certified Life Celebrant.
On April 28, 2019, Erika married Cory Knox, also a funeral director, and together they love to spend time with their loving family and two cats, Midge and Opie, and biking on local trails.
Max is another fourth generation Routsong in the family business. Since graduating from Ohio University in 2019 he has decided to pursue the career path of a funeral director and is currently working on his apprenticeship. Max is primarily known for taking care of the therapy dog in training , Boat.
Jennifer began working for Routsong Funeral Home in July of 2019 as a front office assistant. Her passion for serving families and honoring loved ones prompted her to get her Apprenticeship license in February of 2021. Her knowledge of the inner workings of the front office and her love for the business will assist her on her journey to becoming a licensed funeral director. Jennifer graduated from Wright State University with a bachelor’s in English. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family.
Tyler has been with the Routsong team since 2015 through Tastefully Roasted Coffee, where he worked as a Business Manager. In June of 2019, Tyler transitioned to the role of Financial Controller for the funeral home, where he gets to utilize his passion for analyzing data and numbers.
In his free time, Tyler enjoys watching any sport (but especially the Bengals and the Reds), and spending time with his wife Sarah and their puppy Kona.
Margie is a native Daytonian graduating from the Alter High School and then earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from the University of Dayton in 1979. As a licensed Funeral Director and Insurance Agent, she brings 25years experience to Routsong Funeral Home primarily assisting families making advance arrangements. One of the first lessons Margie learned from the Routsong family was there are no funeral "dress rehearsals". Pre-planning one's funeral goes a long way to ensure that one's "final celebration" is carried out according to their wishes. Ensuring a seamless transition from "pre-need" to "at-need" is a top priority for Margie.
In addition to her dedication to funeral service, Margie's priorities center around her faith as a lifelong member of St. Charles Parish; her support of many first responder and veterans organizations particularly through the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and her passion for sports including the University of Dayton Flyers, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. But her greatest blessings remain her two sons and daughters-in-law, being "Nana" to her four Granddaughters Grace, Ella, Paige and Alex and one Grandson Anthony, and sharing her love of "country living" with a large yellow Labrador named "Custer" and her favorite "Farmer" John Ward.
Kylie came to work for Routsong Funeral Home in February of 2017 as our Office Manager and one of our Pet Cremation Specialists. Her education from Sinclair and background in art and photography has proved to be a great asset to our team. She really is the grease that keeps the wheels turning. Kylie's love of animals is evident in her affection towards our service animals and how compassionately she treats all the furry loved ones that come through our doors.
She also puts her creative talents to work by designing a lot of the printed material we use for services. She tries to personalize and customize each memorial folder and register book she prints. The families appreciate the attention to detail and the time she puts into each and every one.
Kylie has three children, Savannah, Tyler, and Valor who she’s raising with the love of her life, Ben Minton. They also share their home with two mutts, Tuggernutz and Mojo. “Life is better with dogs.”
Annabelle was born in Panama City, Florida but moved to the Dayton area when she was twelve.
She graduated from Stivers School for the Arts in 2020 with an emphasis in photography. She joined the Routsong staff in January of 2022 as an Administrator and Pet Cremation Specialist in the front office. The families appreciate her creative style and compassionate attitude.
In her free time, Annabelle enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her two cats, Kevin and Wilson the Tripod.
Ellis was born in Bloomington, Indiana but moved to the Dayton area at the age of twelve. He is a graduate of Sinclair Community College, with a degree in Quality Engineering, and Wright State University, with a degree in Psychology. He served in the US Air Force for four years and worked in the medical equipment manufacturing industry as a Quality and Regulatory Manager until retirement.
Ellis and his wife Cora have resided in Kettering for 41 years. They have a daughter, Laura, who lives in Hillsboro, Ohio and a son, David, who lives in Bexley, Ohio. They are blessed to have four granddaughters and two grandsons. Ellis and Cora are active members of Faith Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio.
Ellis joined the Routsong staff in August 2006.
Bob has lived in the Dayton area all but four years of his life. He was a 1972 graduate of West Carrollton High School. After high school, he began a career in Restaurant Management, with McDonalds, then with Walt Disney World. After splitting seventeen years between both of these companies, he transitioned into a career of serving the community by becoming a firefighter/paramedic. In 2002 he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Safety Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He spent 28 years in Fire Service, retiring at the level of Fire Marshal. In 2014 he proudly joined the Routsong team. His deep understanding of people, in their time of need has proven to be an asset to our team.
Bob married his wife, Gale in 1976 and they have two loving sons. They are very proud of their two grandchildren with whom they spend as much time with as possible. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, camping, and golf.
Mike has lived in the Dayton area native who graduated from Meadowdale HS, and attended University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. After his graduation in 1983 he worked in the pharmacy industry until joining the Routsong team.
Mike and his wife wife Elizabeth live in Englewood with their four Scottish Fold cats. In his freetime he enjoys amateur radio and growing orchids.
Darrell graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor Degree in Biology. He has worked for 38 years as a Respiratory Therapist in the Dayton area. Darrell started at Routsong in 2015 since retiring from healthcare. Darrell and his wife Annette have lived in the Dayton area forover 30 years. His favorite hobbies include reading, hiking, and motorcycling.
Mary joined the funeral home in late 2018 and specializes in coordinating Routsong's aftercare for families. Her cheery disposition and extensive knowledge of aftercare resources makes her a valuable addition to the team.