William Howard Werner, Sr
February 10, 1951 - September 12, 2015
William H. Werner Sr., 64, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, September 12, 2015, surrounded by his son and TBDBITL family.
Bill was born to Wayne and Marion Werner on February 10, 1951, in Sandusky.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne, and granddaughter, Gracie Jane.
Bill is survived by his mother, Marion; loving wife and best friend for over 40 years, Barbara; his son and daughter-in-law, William Jr. and Christin; grandchildren, Griffin, Lacey and Charles; uncle, Howard Nemitz; and so many other loved ones and special friends.
Bill graduated from Sandusky High School in 1969. He then attended The Ohio State University, where he received his degree in education in 1973. While at Ohio State, Bill was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band, where he was a four-year member of the band. Bill was always so proud to be a Buckeye. His son, Billy, followed in his footsteps, graduating from Ohio State and was a member of the OSUMB. Bill looked forward to alumni band day at Ohio State every year, where he never missed a reunion since graduating from Ohio State. The alumni game became more special when his son joined him, and the two marched side by side.
Bill devoted his life to educating Sandusky's youth for over 32 years in the Sandusky City School system. Bill served as an elementary teacher at Monroe School, Mills School and Ontario School before becoming a principal at Monroe School in 1989. He also served as the director of Safety Town for over 20 years. He received the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International for his service as director of Safety Town.
Bill also gave much of his time to the local community. He was active in the Sandusky Power Squadron helping teach boating safety courses, organizing the Blessing of the Fleet and running the USPS booth for the Cedar Point Boat Show. Bill also organized many community gatherings including the Concert in the Park series at the Gazebo in downtown Sandusky during the summer months. He was also the co-chair of the Erie County OSU Band Committee that was responsible for bringing The Ohio State University Marching Band to perform in Sandusky every four years.
Bill was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served on the session and board of trustees. Bill was in many music organizations including the North Coast Concert Band, North Coast Big Band and OSU Erie County Alumni Band. Bill was also in many boating organizations including the Sandusky Power Squadron, where he served as commander in 1986, Sandusky Yacht Club, Lyman Boat Owners Association and the Great Lakes Cruising Club. Bill was a 34-year member of Perseverance Lodge No. 329 F. & A.M. He was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo, and a member of Singara Grotto MOVPER.
What down time Bill had was spent with his wife enjoying life to the fullest. You could find Bill and Barb cruising on their boat, Bugler's Holiday, with their dachshund, Brutus, at Kelleys Island with best friends, Ned and Sharon Bromm. When not on his boat, he loved being with his grandchildren, Griffin, Charlie and Lacey and his extended family, Kevin and Jennifer Gast and their children Nolan, Nathan and Caroline and Ken and Laura Gast and their children, Michael and Matthew.
Bill was a man who wore many hats; a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud Grampie that always spoke lovingly of his grandkids, an uncle, cousin, and nephew. He was always the first to volunteer for anything anyone needed and will truly be missed by his family, friends, and the community as a whole. Bill was quick with a joke and his sense of humor was only known by those that truly knew him best. The family asks that you wear something scarlet and grey to the showing to represent Bill's love of The Ohio State University.
Calling hours will be held at Pfeil Funeral Home, 617 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 2 to4 and 6 to 8:00 PM, where Perseverance Lodge No. 329 will hold Memorial Services at 5:45. The Sandusky Power Squadron will also hold Memorial Services at 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Additional calling hours will be held Friday, September 18, 2015 from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church, 265 Jackson Street, Sandusky. The Rev. Dr. Robert R. Bottoms will officiate. Burial will be held in the Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.
Donations can be made in Bill Werner's name to The First Presbyterian Church, Sandusky or Bill Werner Memorial Park Bench Fund, 708 W. Jefferson Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.
Bill was a member of the Marching Band from 1969 through 1972 and played solo trumpet in X-Row. Bill collapsed and died while rehearsing the Ramp entrance during the 47th TBDBITL reunion.
