William F. Vanhorne

William F. VanHorne, 92, longtime North Robinson resident died early Monday, May 8, 2017 at Orchard Park Assisted Living in Bucyrus.



He was born February 2, 1925 in the family home in Jefferson Twp. After graduating from North Robinson High School in 1943, he worked as a farmhand before being drafted into the US Army, serving as a tank crewman both stateside and in Central Europe in WW2 from 1944-1946. He was married to Esther M. Wagner on November 19, 1949 and they honeymooned by deer hunting and tent camping in Pennsylvania. She survives in Bucyrus. Bill built their home in North Robinson and served the village as a longtime councilman and mayor.



Bill will be remembered for helping others any way they needed it whether family, friends, or strangers. His work ethic was second to none. He believed if you signed up to work, you went to work (even if it meant scheduling teeth to be pulled over lunch in order return on time). He worked at Stratbury Overcoat in Galion before moving on to U.S. Steel Grave Vault where he retired as the shop foreman. In addition, Bill worked for US Marine Products, helped build homes with Lawrence Parcher, installed antennas for Bill Allonas, and drove truck for Milo Brown.



Outside of work, Bill loved visiting with family and being in the great outdoors hunting and fishing. Several trips were made each year, including each Memorial Day, to Michigan to camp, boat, and fish the Au Sable River. He enjoyed a trip out west with a number of side trips along the way. He was an active member of the former North Robinson UMC and currently belonged to the Crestline UMC. Bill was a member of American Legion Post 181, motorcycled with friends, and was a former season ticket holder for Ohio State football.



Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Esther VanHorne; two children, Judy (Lester) Montgomery of Galion and Gevin VanHorne of Cardington; eight grandchildren, Bobbi (Tim) Alspach, Kim (Perry) Ratliff, Bill Nickell, Beth Montgomery, Jeremy VanHorne, Mandy (Tim) Cole, Evan (Menna) Taylor, Jodell VanHorne (fiancé Ian Cooper); sister, Pauline Smith; sister-in-law, Katherine (Herbert) Furr; and many nieces and nephews.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy, Paul, Donald, and Gerald VanHorne and sisters, Helen McKee and Carol Esterline.



Friends and family are asked to gather for a memorial service celebrating Bill’s life on MONDAY, JUNE 5 at 11:00 am at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10-11. Services will conclude with military rites by the US Army and American Legion Post 181 Honor Guards. He will be laid to rest in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In honor of Bill’s patriotism, memorial donations are encouraged to be given to the Crawford County Veterans’ Hall of Fame through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Bill’s Tribute Wall.