Bill Clabaugh

    Bill Clabaugh, 86, passed away Sunday, January 15, at his residence.
    He was born May 14, 1925 in Fountain City to Clarence and Blanche Purtee Clabaugh. World War Two cut his high school years short and he was inducted into the US Navy in 1943, serving aboard the battleship USS New Jersey for the duration of the war.
   Bill received his honorable discharge in 1946 and returned home to marry the former Betty Hawkins on March 23, 1946. They were blessed with 3 children. Bill enjoyed a long career in sales. He delivered Coca-Cola for a while before working for Kaler Candy and Hamilton-Harris. He owned & operated B & B Novelty and East End Variety in Richmond and later worked for the Wayne County Highway Department. Bill was a member of Central Christian Church. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid bowler when better health permitted. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s ball games and watching sports.
   In 2002, Bill was able to revisit the battleship New Jersey. In 2005, he received his high school diploma from Northeastern High School during commencement ceremonies, 62 years after foregoing graduation to serve a grateful nation.  
   Bill will be missed by his wife of nearly 66 years Betty, of Richmond; daughters & sons-in-law, Sharon and Charles Provance, of Fountain City and Kathy & Mike Butler, of Richmond; son & daughter-in-law, Steven & Marsha Clabaugh, of Freemont, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. His dog Holly, survives as well.
   Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Harriett Platt and LaVerne Schneider; brothers Frances and James Clabaugh; 1 grandson and 1 great-grandson.
   A funeral ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Max Knight and Rev. Mark Irwin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 19 at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery, with military rites delivered by the Wayne County Honor Guard.
   Family & friends may gather for visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday, January 19 at the funeral home.