Willis (Bill) Boutwell 1924-2012
Willis (Bill) Boutwell, 87, died at 4:14 a.m. on March 6, 2012, at Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora.
Mr. Boutwell was born May 26, 1924, in Lafayette, Ohio, to John and Ethel Shrider Boutwell, who preceded him in death. On Oct. 16, 1948, he married Wanda Mae Claypool and she survives.
Mr. Boutwell was a member of Riley Creek Baptist Church, Bluffton, where he served as a deacon and as a member of numerous committees.
He was the proprietor of Arthur's Round Table Restaurant in Lima, Ohio from 1949 till 1965. For the next 25 years, he was an investment broker for the Investor's Diversified Financial Services now known as AmeriPrise.
Mr. Boutwell was a 1943 graduate of Ada High School. Following high school, he served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II and the United States Navy Reserves during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of The American Legion Post 0536 of Gilboa, and The Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 09381, Ada.
Survivors include three daughters: Gay Lee (Ken) Martin of Elletsville, Ind., Elaine (Bruce) Sommers of Delphos, and Patsy (Carey) Arthur of Pandora; nine grandchildren: Bryan (Candie) Burkholder, Chad (Kelly) Burkholder, Tiana Burkholder, Jennifer Leonard, Kristen (T J) Lewis, Shawn (Natalie) Sommers, Chris (Sara) Sommers, Annie (Michael) Gill, and Amle Arthur; thirteen great-grandchildren: Madeleine, Meghan, Kyle, Sierra, Jada, Emileigh, Ellie, Cora, Blake, Brody, Colt, Carli, and Ailey.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Riley Creek Baptist Church, Bluffton. Rev. David Lanquist will officiate. Burial will be in Hasson Cemetery, Van Buren Township with military rites by the Veteran of Foreign Wars Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Creek Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025
- Bluffton University names Dr. J. Alexander Sider as next President
- GLP-1s and weight loss: Impact on muscles
- Check out August 2025 at Bluffton Public Library
- Discovery Days prize drawing results, check your tickets
- Wesley “Wes” Allen Leightner worked for Phillips
- How floundering Cards should deal at deadline
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
- Letter: BOHS work night at the Depot, July 30
- County park district considers name change, invites feedback
- Teen vaccine clinic at Bluffton Middle School, August 18
- State of Ohio expands commercial truck parking at US 30 rest areas
- National Night Out celebration is August 5
- Bluffton council hears neighbor concerns about proposed school practice field
- GROB Systems to host 5-AXIS LIVE! with 21 industry partners on Aug. 5