William "Bill" R. Denlinger

Our beloved father, William R. Denlinger (Bill) passed away at the Springfield Masonic Campus on Monday, April 24, 2023. He is now with his late wife of over 60 years, Ellen Hanes Denlinger, who preceded him in death in 2021. William R. Denlinger (Bill) was born in Springfield, Ohio on January 4, 1939 to parents William Wilt Denlinger and Marcella Lytle Denlinger. Bill leaves behind his three children, William J. Denlinger (Bill), Katherine Denlinger Denney, Kevin T. Denlinger, along with their spouses, seven loving grandchildren and one great grandchild; all will cherish their endless fond memories of him. Bill Denlinger was a fourth generation “William’” within the family, which settled in Enon in the early 1800s. He upheld a long tradition of Denlinger men helping in the community, serving on town committees, attending church, helping grow the athletic boosters, hiring and training many young adults to work at the store and to grow as individuals. In addition to a community history, he is a graduate of the first class of Greenon High School. He then attended Wittenberg University. Bill always juggled simultaneous careers. He balanced running a family business, Denlinger Hardware & Sohio, while working within various departments for International Harvester/Navistar. Upon leaving Navistar he worked at WPAFB for a federal housing contractor. Later, he and Ellen moved to Roscommon, Michigan for several years enjoying lake life, new neighbors and family, before returning to Ohio when Ellen became ill. William was a member of the Masonic Yellow Springs Lodge 421 and 32nd Degree Mason of the Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite. The fellowship and the oath of the Masonry were dear to him. Bill was a passionate reader, and perhaps as a surprise to many, a passionate writer of poetry. In particular he liked to write poems to his wife Ellen. He was also known to be a very active person with trouble sitting still for long. This was a characteristic that worked out great for an active parent. Bill never missed a single ballgame for his three children, and also played on his own bowling and softball teams for years. There were many happy weekends spent boating and fishing at Indian Lake. Hours were spent playing driveway basketball or softball out back with the neighborhood children. In his down time, Bill took long walks down Rocky Point Road with one of his many loved golden retrievers. Bill was still active at the Masonic Community, working out in the gym until his last few months of life. Bill continued his love for sports and knowledge, watching every event he could on television, mixing in a little bit of Jeopardy and the game channel. He continued to follow Wittenberg and Cedarville basketball and the University of Dayton football. Bill knew many people and had many acquaintances, but he held a handful of life long friendships particularly close to his heart including the late Tom Denney, Bill Young and Ted Stute. He spoke recently about how hard it is for seniors to be the last left behind among their peer group, and concluded his life by writing a poem about the subject - adding “I miss my family and friends but know I must remain strong to reach the end.” He is now at peace. William R. Denlinger had requested a simple graveside service, to be held at the Enon Cemetery on Friday, April 28 at 2:30. All friends and family are welcome to gather. Please do not send flowers or plants. Instead, consider a small donation to a Golden Retriever Rescue in your area, a local Humane Society or animal welfare organization of your choosing. Adkins Funeral Home, Enon, is assisting Bill’s family with his final wishes.

William "Bill" R. Denlinger

January 4, 1939 - April 24, 2023