William “Bill” Ellis VIII

April 16, 1954 - March 15, 2026

William (Bill) Ellis VIII passed away on Sunday, March 15 at age 71 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

A 1972 graduate of Old Fort High School and third generation alumnus of The Ohio State University, Bill was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band. He regularly marched with his trumpet at the annual TBDBITL Alumni Reunion and was an avid Buckeye fan. His interest in music continued through the years as he played in the Green Springs and Fostoria Community Bands and served as president of the Redmen Music Boosters. He enjoyed his time spent working for Rural Serv, Ohio Farmers, Trico Glass, and Bigelow Glass. A lover of classic cars and all-around handyman, Bill could often be found working in his garage or out helping friends with projects. Some of his other favorite pastimes were listening to talk radio and watching James Bond movies, old Westerns, and car shows. He had a mischievous streak and an undeniable smirk that will be remembered by those who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandy, and children Bill (Karen) Ellis IX and Lisa (Caleb) Shiff as well as his brothers, Jim Ellis and Don (Deb) Ellis, brother-in-law Bryan (Debbie) Walus, nieces Katie (Danny) McCarthy, Emily (Matt) Stockton, and nephew Greg (Jess) Walus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and William Ellis VII.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Hoening & Son Funeral Home, 133 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org). The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to Bill by the nursing staff at Independence House and Blanchard Valley Palliative Care and Hospice over the last several years.

Bill was a member of the marching band in 1977 and 1978. He played Trumpet