John William “Bill” Coon, Wayland, Age 72, of The Plains, Ohio, died Aug. 12 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born to the late John Otho (Doc) and Alice Coon May 12, 1945, in his family home in The Plains. Bill graduated from The Plains High School in 1963, was employed by the Athens Messenger for 38 years and was a veteran of the Ohio National Guard. He was an avid sports fan, loved to play golf and enjoyed his annual spring golf trips with his friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of 20 years, Patricia Coon; his two children, Rodney Coon, Kelley (Anthony) Coon Adami; former daughter-in-law, Tracey Coon; and his three step-children, Tom (Jennifer) Dunkle, Tim (Sue) Dunkle, and Rick (Wendy) Dunkle; 12 grandchildren; and his sisters, Sue Mitchell of Albany and Jane Hines of The Plains.

Bill lived in The Plains, OH until he moved to Michigan in 2005 where he worked at the West Michigan Auto Auction for six years. There, he developed strong friendships with his co-workers and became known as “Buckeye Bill.”

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Windsor Woods Community Club House and Saturday, Aug. 26, at The Plains United Methodist Church.

For those who wish, donations can be made to The Plains United Methodist Church, 3 N Plains Road, The Plains, OH 45780 in memory of Bill Coon.