William "Bill" Johnson, 65, of Forest, was born in Lima, Ohio, on Aug. 7, 1948, to Howard W. and Norma (Waltz) Johnson. He died at 12:15 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2013 at his residence. He married Jacquelynn "Jacki" Schey on Nov. 28, 1970, and she survives.
A graduate of Cory-Rawson High School in 1966, he was the first All-State Football player from the school, as well as an All-State baseball player. He attended The Ohio State University and played his freshman year on the baseball and football teams.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1968-1970. While in the service he played baseball, attended Officer Candidate School for a time, served in Korea, and attained the rank of Sergeant.
Upon returning home he farmed and raised registered Hampshire Hogs, serving as the Secretary of the Ohio Hampshire Swine Association for 25 years and being inducted into the Ohio State Fair Swine Hall of Fame in 1998.
He was a journeyman electrician with IBEW #32 in Lima. He worked for Reynolds Electric and for a time owned and operated J and J Electric.
For the past 23 years, he worked in the facilities department of St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, serving as the construction coordinator.
A member of Good Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Arlington, he served on the church council and sang in the choir. He played community softball for years, coached Acme baseball and for 20 years was a high school
baseball umpire. He also volunteered on the Arlington High School football team chain crew.
A 4-H advisor for 30 years, he served on the Hancock County Extension Advisory Board, serving as president, and was the Hancock County Junior Fair Swine Superintendent for 18 years. He was a member of the Hancock and Allen County Pork Producers Councils, serving as secretary of both organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Jacki; sons: James, Forest, Michael (Penni), Rawson, Gregory (Kristin), Findlay; mother, Norma (Waltz) Johnson Starr, Findlay; and grandchildren: Felicia, Schenia, William, Nolan, Olivia, Liam, Alexandria, Brynlee Johnson, Brett, Mycala, and Taylor Kloeppel; brother, Richard (Dick) Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eric and Nan Schey, Forest; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard and brother, Robert E. Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at Good Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Arlington, with Rev. Steven Ramsey officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 at Crates Funeral Home, Arlington and for one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. on Monday at the church.
Burial will follow the service in Arlington Cemetery, Madison Twp. Hancock County. Memorials may be made to Good Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church and/or the 4-H Endowment. Online condolences may be made via www.coldrencrates.com.
