MANSFIELD: Willis “Bill” Lee Waldron, Jr., of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. He was 77.
He was born on May 11, 1947 in Springfield, Ohio to parents Willis and Rita (Hagenbach) Waldron. After graduating from high school he went on to join the Ohio Air National Guard, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and then his Master’s degree from the Air War College. During his 35 years of service in the Guard, Bill served in Springfield, Ohio before transferring to Mansfield to join the 179th Air Lift Wing. While stationed with the 179th, he held the title of Vice Commander for a period of time, and retired as a full Colonel after his many years of faithful service. Outside of his time with the Ohio Air National Guard he worked and retired from Sprint.
On April 15, 1989, he married his loving wife Patricia Van Genderen in Mansfield, Ohio. The couple shared numerous adventures and countless memories during their 35 years together.
Willis was a longtime and active member of the First Congregational Church in Mansfield as a member of the choir and the Strategic Planning Committee to help the church grow. His love of singing and strong tenor voice led him to join the Mansfield Symphony Chorus as well as the Ashland Area Community Chorus, which he enjoyed performing with immensely. Bill was an avid supporter of the arts and served as a board member for The Renaissance Theater downtown. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time in nature with his view camera capturing beautiful scenery in black and white images.
He is survived by his loving wife Pat Waldron, children Elissa (James) Garfield, Jennifer Waldron, Gretchen Waldron, and Meredith Waldron, the mother of his children Kathi Johnson, grandchildren E.J. Garfield, Mollie Garfield, Jeremy (Sarah) Lykins, Julia Lykins, Matthew Lykins, Alaina (Alex) Felczan, Jaden Holt, and Ian Holt, sisters Carol (Douglas) Burke and Jacquie Fletcher, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Willis and Rita Waldron.
The Waldron family will receive guests on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 5-7 pm in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel. A memorial service honoring Willis will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, Ohio. Burial in Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church Choir.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Bill’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com