A great coach, teacher, father, and grandfather. To put it plainly, the world lost a great man. Maurice “Bill” William Croft, Jr., passed away on Sunday, May 24, a week shy of his 86th birthday.

Bill truly never met a stranger. If you happened to sit next to him, you had to be prepared to share your life story and a few laughs. His positivity and sense of humor were endearing and his ability to draw out and remember tidbits about everyone he met was a gift. Bill was also extremely passionate with a touch of feistiness. His booming voice could be heard from the sidelines of his grandkids’ games – patented comments like “Throw strikes!” and “Smoooooth.” If he thought a coach wasn’t being fair, he’d let them know. If a referee made a bad call, they’d get a talking to. He’d earned it. A beloved coach himself, he touched the lives of countless athletes in numerous sports, first at Rogers High School in Toledo, then Bowling Green High School and finally at Tecumseh High School, where he served as the head track and cross-country coach, and freshman basketball coach. In the classroom, he was a favorite teacher, shaping young minds in history and English. 

Bill thought the world of his grandkids – Macy, Liv, Maclane, Brecken and Maverick, and they equally adored their Grampy. He drove to Columbus at least weekly for everything from basketball to track to gymnastics and made the further drive to Iowa for years of soccer and stage productions. He invented the beloved “Big Bad Wolf” game, took them for ice cream and Panera and made trips to Target and Learning Express for items to which the moms had probably said no. For his daughters, Carrie Bryner and Shelby Croft, he was always there. Early on, he passed on his love of music, ensuring they had every Air Supply and Carpenters album, then later everything from Lionel Richie to Olivia Newton John. He took them to their first concert, enduring Jack Wagner from the front row. Bill also passed down his love of sports, making sure they experienced Tiger Stadium and watched Lions football.  And the movies. Carrie and Shelby counted down the days to every Muppets, Star Wars and superhero movie like it was Christmas. Thankfully, Bill’s girls picked good partners he enjoyed, exchanging fishing stories with Dave and razzing Brian about everything Ohio State. As a true testament to what a solid person Bill was, he remained friends with his ex-wife, Barb, and her husband, Gerry, until the end, realizing the importance of their relationship for his kids and grandkids.

In his 40s, Bill found his lasting relationship with his wife, Jo. The two rehabbed two cherished homes and created deep roots in Jo’s hometown of Bluffton. They spent weekends antiquing and playing cards. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling the country together.  Their vegetable garden was always full, and they gave it away generously. Who knew there were so many uses for asparagus and tomatoes?! Bill was also lucky to gain two more children with this marriage, Rachelle and Bruce, their spouses, Steve and Dawn, and four grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

But let’s be real, Bill’s true love was the University of Michigan. If it wasn’t maize and blue with an “M” on it, he wouldn’t wear it. He would boast that every year’s new recruits were the best and every year they were going to win the championship. Yes, last year was a rough football season for him; thank goodness the men’s basketball team came through for him!

We can’t forget Bill’s devotion to service and giving back. He believed in the missions of the Lions’ Club, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels and was actively involved in each organization.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo; his parents, Maurice and Helen Croft; and his sister, Carol Bailey.  His daughters and sons-in-law, step-children and spouses, grandchildren and nephew will forever treasure their memories of their Dad/Grampy/Uncle Bill.

Bill will be truly missed by all who knew him. Please join us to remember and celebrate this great man on June 28 at 1:00 p.m. First Mennonite Church, 101 S. Jackson Street, Bluffton, Ohio. Please dress accordingly: Michigan gear if you’ve got it!

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Bluffton Lions’ Club, Habitat for Humanity and/or “Our Daily Bread” Mobile Meals program.