“A good coach can change a game; a great coach can change a life.” Truer words could not better exemplify William E. Varble- longtime Shelby resident and highly respected coach and teacher. Bill passed peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at The Echelon of Medina where he resided. He was 92.
Born in Louisville, KY on April 17, 1931 to the late William E. and Eva Kathryn (Leitner) Varble, Bill graduated from Louisville’s Male High School in 1949. He went on to attend Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and science while playing football, basketball, and baseball in 1954. Following graduation and promising his wife, Bette (Rudolph) Varble, that they “would only be here for a couple of years” they together moved to Shelby in 1954. Bill would go on to dedicate his life to teaching and coaching at both the Junior and Senior High in Shelby for over 31 years. It was in Shelby that he built a legacy in both his professional and personal life where he and Bette raised their four children.
Referred to fondly as “Coach” by those whom he had coached and many he did not, Bill coached baseball, track, and football. Throughout his career his accomplishments were extensive even beyond the sports he was directly involved with. He played an instrumental role in getting the first Athletic Levy passed to build the tennis courts, baseball diamond, and the all-weather track. He also was successful in influencing the Board of Education to recognize cross country as a varsity sport. However, he was most recognized for his dedication to the football program. As an assistant coach from 1954-1972, he then became head coach from 1973-1984. During this time, Coach had a record of 90 wins, 29 losses, and 1 tie while winning four NOL titles. For 10 years, he was a two-sport coach- both football and track. While part of Shelby athletics, he was part of 23 NOL championships.
In recognition for his accomplishments throughout his life, Bill was inducted into the Male High School’s Hall of Honor in 2001, Wittenberg University’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 2005, and, in 2007, the scoreboard at the Skiles Field was dedicated to his legacy- an honor that transferred to the new scoreboard at the brand-new Shelby Whippet Athletic Complex in 2022. Coach was also inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016- a great honor and is a member of the Shelby High School Hall of Distinction.
Bill was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Shelby where he had been Sunday School Superintendent for many years, appreciated taking trips, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and extended family participate in their extracurricular activities. He was a pillar of the community and was always willing to go beyond the classroom and athletic field to help young men and women achieve their potential.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Bette (Rudolph) Varble, and brother-in-law, John Morgan.
His survivors include his children: Ked (Deborah) Varble of Bluffton, South Carolina, Denise Rinehart of Tiffin, Todd Varble of Beverly Hills, CA, and Brad Varble of Comer, GA; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer (Mike) Swick, Heather (Elliott) Asch, Matt Varble, Kristen (Chris) Krebs, and Derek (Mallory) Rinehart; 11 great grandchildren: Tyler, Will, Alyssa, Ellie, Bennett, Avery, Natalie, Logan, Makenzie, Grady, and Madelyn; his sister: Kay Morgan of Louisville, KY; and loving companion of 15 years, Carol Edgar, of Medina, and her family.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 4-7 PM at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby with Rev. Jeffrey Croft officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. #7, Shelby, Ohio 44875, First United Methodist Church, or a charity or the donor’s choosing.
Online condolences may be expressed on Bill’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Funeral home : Penwell Turner Funeral Home
