William W. Light

William W. Light, 95, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Woodside Village Care Center in Mt. Gilead after months of failing health.

He was born in Bellevue on April 20, 1928 to the late WC Ward and Geneva E. (McHenry) Light. The second of seven children, “Billy” was one of the ornery Light boys with countless stories of mischief and fun while growing up. Shortly after graduating from Bucyrus High School in 1946, Bill started working at The Timken Co. and then he was drafted to serve in the US Army in 1950. His work as a machinist led to his working in a machine division in Korea and he was discharged in July 1952. While home on leave, Bill eloped with the love of his life, Jeannine Hiteshew, and they shared 46 years of marriage when she preceded him in death in 1997.

Bill had a lifelong love for horses. He and his family had ponies and miniatures growing up and he was able to share his equestrian love with his daughter, grandchildren, and others as a 4-H advisor. He worked for Timken for 30 years and retired as a supervisor. Bill kept a phenomenal garden and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Always handy, Bill held a number of side jobs doing repairs and other work as friends asked. Outside of work, Bill loved camping almost as much as he loved horses, but his biggest joy was spending time with his granddaughters when they came along. He had great faith in Christ and was affiliated with the former First Baptist Church in Bucyrus. He was an avid bowler, Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and Bill enjoyed socializing with fellow veterans as a member of American Legion Post 181. He had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington DC and was proud to have served his country when called upon.

Bill is survived by daughter, Michele Light; daughter-in-law, Laura Light; granddaughters, Mackenzie (Ryan) Klamfoth and Tessa (Britten) Martin; great grandchildren, Ben, Rachel, Luke, Zeb, Sarah, and Adam; step granddaughters, Nicole Snodgrass (Chris Smith) and Victoria (Phil) Donnersbaugh; step great grandchildren, Aurora, Jonathon, Lynnette, and Lily; brother, Louis (Mary) Light; and sister, Jennifer Sweigard.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by son, Mitchell William Light; brothers, Jack (Shirley) Light, Walter (Rosemary) Light, and Edward (Eilene) Light; sister, Barbara Light; and brother-in-law, Larry Sweigard.

All services for Bill Light will be held on Saturday, December 16 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 11 am – 12:55 pm and the funeral will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Matthew Siekbert officiating. Burial will follow in Attica-Venice Cemetery with military rights by the US Army Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to American Legion Post 181 or Honor Flight Network and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared in the guestbook.