William Earl "Bill" Harner

William Earl “Bill” Harner, age 88, passed away in his sleep Friday, September 30, 2023. He was born February 24,1935, in New London, Ohio, to Orval and Virginia (Meek) Harner. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Harner, and his three children - Deb (Bob) Kyle of Ashland, Brian (Teresa) Harner of Corrales, NM, and Amy Claprood, currently residing in Budapest, Hungary. Bill was Grandpa to 7, Great Grandpa to 5, and “Uncle Bill” to many nieces and nephews. He was also “Coach” to many in the Hayesville/Hillsdale community. Bill was preceded in death by both his parents and by his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Alice Harner.

Bill graduated from New London High School in 1953, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ashland College in 1958, and earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from West Virginia University in 1964. He began teaching at Hayesville School in 1958, and then taught as part of the Hillsdale Local Schools, for a total of 32 years. He coached many sports, and was an avid golfer. He was responsible for starting the golf program at Hillsdale and after 10 years of coaching, he was inducted into The Ohio High School Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bill’s lifetime hobby was model trains. He grew up near the railroad tracks and was always interested in anything related to the railroad. He often displayed his layout as part of the Ashland Model Railroaders activities.

He was a very active member of the Hayesville Methodist Church, Hayesville Lions Club, the Ashland Model Railroaders, and the Senior Citizen Center of Ashland County. Over the years, he held many offices and served in many different capacities within these organizations. He received many awards, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Progressive Fellowship from Lions Clubs International.

Friends may call at Fickes Funeral Home from 4 to 8 on Wednesday October 4, 2023. Services will be held on Thursday October 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville. Burial will be at the Vermillion Cemetery in Hayesville immediately following the service, followed by lunch at Hayesville Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.fickesfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to Hayesville Methodist Church, Hayesville Lions Club, or the Ashland Senior Citizens Center.

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