William J. Wilson
William J. “Bill” Wilson, 87, died Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Select Specialty Hospital Southeast in Newark, with his son Craig at his side.
He was born May 13, 1935 in Coshocton to the late William H. and Eleanor A. (Clark) Wilson. He was married June 26, 1955 to the love of his life, Shirley (Aronhalt) Wilson, who preceded him in death Sept. 24, 2022. The two cherished a loving 67 years together.
Bill is survived by a son, Craig A. Wilson of Florida; a sister, Bonnalee G. Roahrig; a sister-in-law, Helen Totten; and several nieces & nephews.
A lifetime resident of Coshocton, he was a 1953 graduate of Coshocton High School, where he was acknowledged with four years of perfect attendance. He was a member of Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, where he participated in Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. He aided in the betterment of the church library, and was active in the VBS program.
Bill’s enjoyment of “hands-on” work and his attention to detail led him to a job at Roahrig’s Gulf Station, where he was employed for several years as a gas attendant, mechanic, and was known for his all-around hospitable service. Later, he was hired by Universal Cyclops Steel Specialty (Armco), where he remained until his retirement in 1997 at age 62.
Once retired, he traveled throughout the state of Ohio with his best friend and lifetime companion, his wife Shirley as the two researched genealogy. Bill enjoyed socializing during the “Coffee Walk & Talk” gatherings at Kids America. A highlight of his service work was the time he donated to the New Life Ministries Food Pantry.
Bill Wilson knew no strangers. His light-hearted approach and humor always lit the space he was in, and he was always ready and willing to share a story. He made time to talk with everyone, and was never in a rush. You were the most important person to him in that moment. He was a nurturing husband and father, sincerely devoted to family and friends.
Bill’s most relaxing and productive time was spent in the open outdoor spaces working in his lawn or at his garage work bench, where he could express his inventiveness and create with his ingenuity.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey William Wilson; sister, Marlene Salmons; an infant sister Joann Wilson; in-laws, Harold B. and Winifred (Stiner) Aronhalt; sisters-in-law, Catherine Spang, Leona Reigle, Maxine Thornsley, and Gertrude Stewart; brothers-in-law, Jim, Wayne, & Otis “Jack” Aronhalt, James A. Salmons, and Leland D. Roahrig.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at Prairie Chapel Cemetery, with Pastor Mark Granger officiating. The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling the arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Life Ministries Food Pantry 727 S. 7th St. Coshocton, OH 43812; or Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, 45494 CR 23 Coshocton, OH 43812.
Category: Obituaries
