Lima News, The (OH) - July 14, 2002

WILLIAM R. "BILL" FETH, 75, CELINA, DIED AT 3:15 P.M. JULY 11, 2002,

WILLIAM R. "BILL" FETH, 75, Celina, died at 3:15 p.m. July 11, 2002, at his residence. He was born May 22, 1927, in Lima to William A. and Zelma E. Coffman Feth. Mr. Feth retired from teaching in Celina schools, where he taught math, business and accounting for 46 years. He was instrumental in the development of a number of sports programs in the area. He was the head football coach and girls' softball coach at Celina Senior High from 1976 until 1998. He was assistant coach of girls' softball at Memorial High School in St. Marys since 1998. He was statistician for boys and girls basketball programs for many years, and was also the coach of the Celina Suns fast-pitch girls softball team.

He was an advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America for a number of years. He was a member of the Celina Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons 241, 32nd Degree. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 210 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, both in Celina, and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1473 and Eagles Aerie 1291, both in Celina. He was a 1945 graduate of Celina High School, received a bachelor's degree from Findlay College and a master's degree from Indiana University. He has been inducted into the Findlay College Hall of Fame and the Ohio High School Athletic Association Coaches' Hall of Fame. He was a Marine Corp veteran of World War II. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his pet Springer Spaniel and spending time at his home on Grand Lake St. Marys. He was widely known as a generous and inspirational man who devoted his entire adult life to educating and coaching young people.

Survivors include a sister, Hope Zink of St. Marys; two nephews, Bill Zink and Bob Zink, both of St. Marys; a niece, Marla Keeran of Portage; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, St. Marys. The Rev. Keith Kivlin will officiate. Burialwill be in Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, with military rites. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Condolences may be sent to millerfh@bright.net.

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