William Kenny Wills

William K. “Kenny” Wills, age 78, of the Riverside area at Uhrichsville, died suddenly in Twin City Hospital at Dennison on Monday, January 25, 2010.A son of the late Herbert and Helen (Armstrong) Wills, Kenny was born at Newcomerstown, Ohio on March 12, 1931.As a young man Kenny served with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and throughout the remainder of his life would be quite proud of his country and service in which he had provided. Following his discharge, Kenny would go on to spend thirty years at the former I.F. Ridge Tool at New Philadelphia. Kenny soon began working for Kent State University as a custodian and would move from there to serve as a custodian with the Claymont City School District for more than ten years prior to retiring.Kenny was passionate about the game of golf but most of all enjoyed the fellowship of those he joined as a part of the Senior League at Five Waters Golf Course. When not golfing, Kenny enjoyed walking his beloved dog, Sammy and spending his mornings reading the newspaper and working through the daily crossword puzzles.Kenny leaves behind his wife of 14 years, the former Erika Oberweger of the home; two step-sons, Mark Edwards of Canton and Greg (Holly) Edwards of Oakdale, Connecticut; an adopted son, Darrin Wills; four sisters, June (Jack) Paisley of Dover, Sandy (Ken) Balder of New Philadelphia, Joanne (Ron) Kaser of Dover, and Diana (Joe) Yoakam of Ragersville; and a sister-in-law, Zera Wills of Mississippi. Two step-grandsons, Adam Barker and Jeremy Barker; two step-great-granddaughters, Ava and Arianna Barker as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Ruth, four brothers, Roy Wills, John Wills, Herbert E. “Short” Wills, and Larry Wills; and a sister, Shirley Haugh.The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 5:00 â?? 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Members of the Tuscarawas VFW Post 7943 will perform military honors at 4:45 PM. The Reverend Dr. Terry Timson will lead a service celebrating Kenny’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday at 7:00 PM. In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, cremation will follow.The family requests that memorial contributions in Kenny’s name be sent to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, PO Box 92, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.