BLAIN

William "Bill" Blain, 86, of London, died Monday, May 29, 2023, in the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.

Born October 21, 1936, in Mount Sterling, Ohio, he was a son of Byrd and Rosie (Funk) Blain. Bill was a graduate of Madison Rural High School, in the class of 1954. Following high school, he worked as a service station attendant for the former Standard Oil of Ohio. After many years of service, Bill worked his way up to manager and later retired as the retail supervisor for British Petroleum. He also served in the Army National Guard.

Bill never met a problem that he could not fix. He was a regular handyman who believed in "DIY" was best whenever possible. Growing up on a farm, Bill also had a love for being outdoors. Yardwork and gardening were his daily hobbies, and he routinely kept a wonderful garden every year. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in London, as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club where he was a past president. Growing up, Bill played baseball and basketball and later enjoyed playing softball and bowling. However, golf was Bill's true passion.  Also, he enjoyed cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, particularly their football, basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. Bill was also the biggest supporter for his grandkids, and hardly ever missed a single event.

Bill was pleased to be able to treat and share annual family vacations at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, with his family, where he loved to fish, water ski and tube. To leisurely pass time, he loved working crossword puzzles.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years Ruth Ann (Strine) Blain; son Jeff (Tonya Snell) Blain and daughter Lisa (Rob) Stafford; grandchildren Christopher (Yulia Semenishin) Blain, Victoria (Aaron) Patrick, Adam Stafford, Emily Stafford, Megan Stafford; great-granddaughter Mia Patrick; sister Marjory Little; sister-in-law Mary Simpson, brother-in-law John Strine; other nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bernice Reeves and Thelma Graves, brothers Jim and Don Blaine; niece Karen Sue Little, nephews Mike Little and Jim Knisley.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM in St. John's Lutheran Church, 380 Keny Blvd, London, Ohio 43140, with Pastor Larry Baker officiating. Interment will follow in Kirkwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill's name can be made to either St. John's Lutheran Church or to the Madison Health Cancer Center, 210 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140.

The family is being served by the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, where condolences are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.