William C. "Bill" Donley

William C. “Bill” Donley, of Conesville, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on December 16, 2023.

Born on December 30, 1941 in Coshocton, Ohio to the late William C. and Nadine Hough, Bill was raised by his grandparents and had a childhood surrounded by a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins that he held close in his heart.

Graduating from Conesville High School, his educational years were spent in the community that would become his forever home. His profession as an electrician led him to work for General Electric, Simco Peabody, AK Steel, Armco and to a life-long career of helping friends, family and neighbors with their lengthy to-do lists. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and a past member of the Conesville Volunteer Fire Department and Conesville Village Council. He was honored to receive the award of “Village of Conesville Volunteer of the Year” but his most favorite occupation was the one that included the title of grandpa.

Known for his private demeanor, Bill would have preferred a short and to the point obituary. However, to his praise and to our delight, his true greatest talent in life was being a devoted, loving father. Many considered him family, and even a father figure in life. He was a man who crafted a unique ability to never say too much and yet, to always say enough. To all of his children, he was a cool, calm and comforting force encouraging them to each spread their wings as much or as little as they chose. He found great pride in their accomplishments.

Soft spoken and of a calm manner, his distinctive laugh was both welcoming and infectious. He had an appreciation for wit and enjoyed those who shared it. Bill acknowledged and honored life’s imperfections and he valued living in the present, not always looking back. Never needing to be the one who spoke first or last, he had an incredible way of knowing how to listen and he was often the first call made or the first stop on the way home for those who wanted to hear his advice. He will be missed dearly by those who sought his distinctive insight.

Bill was a believer in life-long learning with interests ranging from natural history and science to building innovation, often reading trade journals or science magazines in his spare time. He was also a talented craftsman, sharing his skills with his community and passing on his talents to many. Much to the delight or dismay of those around him, in late life he enjoyed indulging in the never-ending mysteries of Oak Island and the enduring challenges faced in Homestead Rescue.

Bill found the love of his life, Marge, in his second season and once together, they were rarely known to be apart. Together they stretched their sense of adventure and destination to create a life filled with children, grandchildren and good living. They loved celebrating each season of life, being dedicated members of their village community, a good Nascar race, NFL Sundays and traveling often to visit their kids and grandchildren. She gave him a curated life and home while he gave her rock-solid love and support. Throughout the years, Bill’s first story to share was most often one that included one of his many grandchildren’s latest milestone or achievement. His gift of grandparenting was one to be copied.

Those who loved Bill will miss his gentle kindness, his unconditional love, his steadfast support and the sweet vanilla-esque scent of tobacco from his trusty pipe that was more often found in his hands or his pocket than in his mouth. We hope they allow pipes in heaven.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marge Donley; children Troy (Jodi) Donley of West University Place, TX, Jan (Donnie) Miller of Johnstown, OH, Jill (Vasko) Mitzev of San Clemente, CA, Jason (Amber) Donley of Coshocton, Darcy (Matthew) Rehm of Conesville and Lacey (Ramon) Jacobs of Fresno; nine grandchildren Spencer and Logan Donley, Nathan and Nicole Miller, Cecily and Alek Mitzev, Kalhen and Koen Donley and Roman Jacobs.

He is proceeded in death by his brother, Jerry Donley.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Coshocton Baptist Church, 1631 Denman Ave., Coshocton, with memorial service beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Paul Schwab officiating.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to Franklin Twp Conesville Village Recreation Board, C/O Brent Porteus, 17293 SR 83, Coshocton, Ohio 43812; envelopes will be available at the church.