William ”bill” D. Ekleberry

William D. “Bill” Ekleberry, age 56 of New Philadelphia, passed away late Wednesday evening, May 26, 2010 at his home following a year-long battle with cancer.Born December 16, 1953 in Sandusky, O., he was the son of the late Donald K. and Phyllis (Hill) Ekleberry. After graduating from high school in New Jersey, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps in 1971. Bill was honorably discharged from the service and began his professional career as a cement finisher. He was a partner with his father at Ekleberry Concrete for numerous years. He then was employed for the Ohio Conference of Plasterers and Cement Masons Local #109 in Akron.When he was not working, Bill enjoyed fishing, playing the slot machines, and singing. Most importantly, he was a person who made friends wherever he went, and he greatly enjoyed their company. He was also active at Bethel Worship Center in Uhrichsville.On March 10, 2004, Bill married his wife who survives, Michelle (Wallace) Scott Ekleberry. He is also survived by two children, Casey Kauffman of northern Ohio, and Nathan (Sami) Ekleberry of Coshocton; two grandchildren, Chad and Madelyn; his brother, Don Ekleberry of northern Ohio; his niece, Dionna (J.R.) and their children, D.J., Shelly, and Shelby, all of Toledo; his father and mother-in-law, Fitchue and Ruth Wallace of Dennison; his step-daughter, Amber R. Scott of Indianapolis, IN; an aunt, Carolyn Shook of Bucyrus, O.; and numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 4 to 6 p.m. A service celebrating Bill’s life will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with The Rev. Jeff Graska officiating. Following the service, the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors at the funeral home. Friends and family are then invited to Bethel Worship Center, 634 N. Main St., Uhrichsville, O. 44683, where a meal will be hosted by Bill’s church family.