Alan Craig Hall (March 9, 1954 – September 12, 2025) passed, unexpectedly and peacefully while sleeping, into the arms of his Savior. He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara (nee Metzger) Hall and only child, Shawn (Megan, nee Pierce) Hall of Hilliard, two grandsons Samuel and Gabriel, a brother Rev. Kent (Laura) Hall of Marietta, and nieces and nephew, Samantha Hall, Matthew (Julia) Hall, and Jensia Steele. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Edward and Flossie June (nee Heddleston) Hall and a loving step-mother Dora (nee Brown) Hall.
Alan Hall was born in Marietta, Ohio and decided at a very young age that his life would be ‘Library’ centered. He graduated from Marietta H.S. in 1972, WVU in 1976, and Case Western in 1977. His favorite room at Marietta H.S. was the library where he would arrive at 7 AM and join Mrs. Opal Bole in the work for the day. If he wasn’t in class, he was assisting her. At 16 he began working at the Washington County Public Library, where he worked through his college years when he was home.
In 1977, he became the Library Director in Delphos. Then from 1983 to 2018 he was honored to work as the Director of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County. He was involved in many library construction and renovation projects in Steubenville, Barnesville, Guernsey County, East Palestine, Morgan County, and Puskarich Public Library. He was the coauthor of the book Steubenville: Images Of America. He also published many other works of historical, genealogical, and local interest. He was awarded Librarian of the Year, Ohio Library Association in 1989 and inducted into the Library Hall of Fame 2019, Ohio Library Council. He was appointed to the five-member State Library Board 2019-2022 and served as president in 2022.
Alan served his fellow man in many other ways: twelve-year Board Member of RSVP, Trustee Board for Historic Fort Steuben from 2002–2013, Member of the OSU Coop. Ext. Service Advisory Board 1996–2019, Member and President of the Steubenville Historic Landmarks Commission 2010–2020, Member and past President of Rotary since 1998, Clerk of Session Two Ridges Presbyterian Church since 2005, and Jefferson County Port Authority Board Member since 2020.
As is apparent, Alan was not a man of leisure but when he did indulge, his passion was trains, specifically train trips. Alan travelled to many places in this country and Canada. Alan will be greatly missed in our town and beyond, but his contributions will never be forgotten.
Friends may call at Two Ridges Presbyterian Church, 1085 Canton Rd. Wintersville, OH 43953 on Friday, Sept. 19 from 10 am until the time of services at noon, with Rev. Dr. Bill Lawrence officiating. Interment at Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Two Ridges Church or to the Friends of PLSJ at 4141 Mall Drive Steubenville, OH 43952.
Offer condolences at www.shorac.com
