William Franklin Ellwood

Six days shy of his 77^th birthday, William “Bill” Franklin Ellwood of New Philadelphia died Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, in Union Hospital at Dover.  He was born Oct. 23, 1939, to the late Juanita (Hunter) and James William Ellwood.

Bill was an accomplished carpenter and wood carver, and enjoyed fishing, coon hunting and in his younger years, race car driving. He was a 1957 graduate of the former Stone Creek High School.

A man of small stature, he had a big heart and taught his sons that hard work, kindness and orneriness are compatible traits.  He especially liked to visit “The Farm,” where his carpentry skills were evident and the Ellwoods gather with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors.  In June 2002, Bill retired as business agent for Laborers Local No. 134 at Newcomerstown, a post he had held since September 1998. He joined the union in 1980, and prior to that was plant manager of Groovfold in Newcomerstown.  He had attended Otterbein United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and was a Democratic member of New Philadelphia City Council from 2002-2005.

Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Breehl, whom he married in July 1997; three sons, Timothy W. (Kathy) Ellwood of Midvale, Rick L. (Amy) Ellwood of Stone Creek, and Mark A. (Amy) Ellwood of Port Washington; seven grandchildren, Courtney (Martin) Kail, Casey Fellers (companion Christa Marino), and Joseph William Ellwood;  Mallory K. (Damon) Deetz and Grace C. Ellwood; Emily Ellwood and fiancé Matt Gebhart, and Molly (Matt) Davis; six great-grandchildren, Holden, Gianna, Grady, Carson, Gwyneth and Brantley. Also surviving are his stepdaughter, Kathy (Raymond) McIntire of Stone Creek, stepsons James (Laura) Breehl and Rick (Gaylene} Breehl, all of New Philadelphia; step-grandchildren, Sarah Watson, Matt Breehl, and Amber and Samantha McIntire; step-great-grandson, Benjamin McIntire; a brother, Bob Ellwood of Conesville, and sister, Donna (Joe) Kreitzer of Tyndal; numerous nieces and nephews, and former wife, Martyne McPherson of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Josh Breehl, and a step-granddaughter, Shelley M. Breehl

Calling hours will be held Thursday (TONIGHT) from 5 to 8 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia, where the service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Michael Thomas officiating. Burial in St. Jacob’s Cemetery on St. Jacob’s Ridge Rd., Stone Creek, will be followed by a covered dish fellowship in Grace Community Church at Stone Creek.

Memorials may be made to St. Jacob’s Cemetery Association in care of Mark Ellwood, 304 N. High St., Port Washington, Oh. 43837.