William Owens

Published April 27, 2026 - 2:52 p.m. Modified May 18, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.

Close-up portrait of an older man with glasses. — Bill Owens

William “Bill” Michael Owens of West Lafayette, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the OSU Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, following a brief illness.

He was born October 1, 1947 in Coshocton to the late Walter William Owens and the late Gertrude Louis (Richcreek) Owens.Bill was a 1965 graduate of Coshocton High School before going to the Ohio State University. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and then entered the Ohio State University College of Law, where he graduated in 1972 with a Juris Doctor’s Degree.

Bill was a member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, the West Lafayette Masonic Lodge #602, West Lafayette Lions Club, and the Coshocton Elks #376. He also served on the Ridgewood Board of Education, past president of the Coshocton County Cancer Society, and board member of the Coshocton Foundation.

He was a member of the Coshocton County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. When he passed the bar, he came back to Coshocton to join the Kenneth Berry firm, then later, he and Michael Manning formed the Owens and Manning partnership. Bill served as a prosecuting attorney in Coshocton County for several years, and also served on the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol (Hall) Owens; his daughter, C. Ashley (Joe) Klier of West Lafayette; two special grandchildren, Madelyn and William Klier. His stepnieces, Cindy (Craig) Collins of Newcomerstown, Cathy (Harry) Hittle of Coshocton, Susan Owens of Jonesboro, Indiana and Lynn (Doug) Immel of New Philadelphia; and his precious kittens, Midnight and Callie.

Per Bill’s wishes, a Memorial and Masonic Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the West Lafayette United Church, 120 West Union Avenue, West Lafayette, Ohio.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, 120 West Union Avenue, West Lafayette, Ohio; the Ridgewood Drama Program, 602 Johnson Street, West Lafayette, Ohio; the Ridgewood Recreation, P.O. 66 West Lafayette, Ohio; and/or the Ridgewood Athletic Department, Girls Soccer Program, 602 Johnson Street, West Lafayette, Ohio. Donation envelopes will be available at the church.

Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family. An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.

coshocton

Obituaries

Smiling older woman with short gray hair, glasses, and a light top against a textured wall.

Voneda C. Lensman

Voneda C. “Vonnie” Lensman, age 82, of Uniontown, Ohio, surrounded by the love of her family, passed away on June 11, 2026, after battling cancer. Born November 8, 1943, in Urbana, Ohio, to Robert Zimmerman and Regena Sanders Tessme.

Pearl Gordon

Pearl Gordon passed away Saturday evening, June 13, after a lingering illness.

Close-up of a woman wearing glasses and a light blue top.

Diana Ruth Anderson

Diana Ruth (Monigold) Anderson passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Man in a black Carhartt cap and dark shirt photographed against a plain background.

Walter S. Stackhouse

Walter Steven “Steve” Stackhouse, 74, of Cadiz, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Portrait of an older woman wearing glasses and hoop earrings indoors.

Paula M. Brown

Paula M. Brown (Witts), 71, of Minerva, passed away peacefully June 4, 2026, surrounded by love after a courageous journey with cancer.

An older man wearing glasses and a navy shirt poses indoors against a plain background.

Donald W. Liming

Donald William Liming, 79, of Cadiz, Ohio, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at his home.

Head-and-shoulders portrait of an older woman indoors near a window.

Helen Joanne Wilson

Helen “Joanne” Wilson, 95, of Coshocton, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Lafayette Nursing and Rehabilitation in West Lafayette.

Close-up portrait of a man with white hair, glasses, and a light shirt on a gray background.

Brian H. Austin

Brian H. Austin, 57, of Brinkhaven, Ohio, passed away suddenly and peacefully on Monday, June 8, in his sleep. He loved Jesus and lived for him.

Portrait of a man under an American flag graphic with the word “VETERAN” above him.

Timothy Priest

Timothy Priest, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2026, at his home.

John J. Yoder

John J. Yoder, 72, of Winesburg, Ohio passed away unexpectedly at his home from natural causes on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Portrait of a smiling man in a suit under a U.S. flag graphic labeled veteran.

Richard Thomas Lauber

Richard Thomas "Tom" Lauber, age 91, passed away on June 1, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Elderly woman with white hair and black glasses indoors against a blue background.

Shirley Ann Vickers

Shirley Ann Vickers, age 90, of Conesville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses in a close-up indoor portrait.

Betty Kobel

Betty Kobel, 81, of Coshocton, passed away on June 4, 2026, at Akron General.

Studio portrait of an elderly man in glasses and a suit, with his hand under his chin.

Glenn William King

Glenn William King, 101, of Conesville, Ohio, passed away on June 2, 2026, after a long and happy life.

Portrait of a young Navy veteran in a white uniform and cap with an American flag behind him.

Michael David Frye

Michael David Frye, age 70, of Coshocton, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Genesis Hospital from the tragic effects of bacterial meningitis.

Portrait of an older man in a suit below an American flag graphic and the word 'VETERAN.'

Edwin V. Ringer

Edwin V. Ringer, age 79, of Hartville passed away May 31, 2026. He was born in Canton on May 29, 1947, to the late Virgil and Cora (Ginther) Ringer and graduated from Marlington High School. Ed was proud of his service to the United States Army as he was drafted during Vietnam.

Portrait of an elderly man wearing a white cap, plaid shirt, and blue vest against a light background.

William Swihart

William "Bill" Swihart, 88, of Winfield, passed away at Hennis Care Centre in Dover on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Studio portrait of a smiling woman wearing gold jewelry against a dark background.

Wilma L. Buckingham

Wilma Lois Buckingham, age 91, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the Country Court Skilled Nursing Center in Mt. Vernon on June 1, 2026.

Smiling elderly man in a blue checkered shirt against a gray backdrop.

Albert N. Troyer

Albert N. Troyer, 83, of Berlin, Ohio went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, peacefully at his home.

Smiling elderly woman with glasses resting her hand on her cheek.

Helene Lamp

Helene Lamp, age 104, of Richmond, Texas, passed away on May 28, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an elderly man wearing a black hat, glasses, and a suit with a red tie.

Thomas J. Polk

Thomas J. Polk, lovingly known as Peewee, age 63, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away peacefully May 31, 2026, at 2:36 a.m. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Close-up of an elderly woman smiling indoors.

Mary Jo Hardman

Mary Jo Hardman, 92, of Minerva, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Community in Minerva.

Close-up portrait of an older man wearing glasses and formal clothing.

Kenneth E. Garber

Kenneth E. Garber, 92, of Coshocton, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Friday, May 29, 2026.

A man in glasses and a red shirt sits outdoors near a bench.

Randy L. Medley

Randy L. Medley, age 65, of Coshocton, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Elderly woman with curly white hair seated on a couch and facing the camera.

Janice Marie Honaker

Janice Marie Honaker, 89 of Coshocton, passed away on May 27, 2026, at Riverside Apartments in Newcomerstown.

Close-up portrait of a woman looking at the camera indoors.

Francine Renee Bishop

Francine “Renee” Bishop, age 69, went home to the Lord and reunited in heaven with her husband Ron on May 22, 2026.

Man in a camouflage cap and dark jacket standing near a door, looking toward the camera.

Timothy J. Horner

Timothy James Horner, age 67, of Tippecanoe, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an older woman smiling and wearing glasses against a plain background.

Esther C. Troyer

Esther C. (Schlabach) Troyer, 93, of Walnut Creek, Ohio passed away at her home on Monday, June 1, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Close-up portrait of a smiling older man against a neutral background.

Paul R. Wolfe

Paul R. Wolfe, age 80, of Coshocton passed away on May 27, 2026, at Summa Health Systems.

Norris Edward Brooks

Norris Edward Brooks, born February 11, 1941, age 85, passed away May 16, 2026, in Penang, Malaysia due to an accident.

Elderly woman with glasses wearing a green sweater seated indoors.

Betty Salvage

Here on earth, we sadly say goodbye to Betty Whyde Salvage, aged 99, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt to many generations, good neighbor and friend to many, and a true and devout Christian.

Woman with red hair and glasses standing outdoors near branches and flowers.

Kerri Lynell Bennett

Kerri Lynell Bennett, 49, formerly of Big Prairie, Ohio passed suddenly and unexpectedly Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Fisher, West Virginia.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses and a cross necklace in front of a floral arrangement.

Dana Sue Yoder

Dana Sue Yoder of Carrollton passed away May 26, 2026, at the Aultman Woodlawn Compassionate Care Center. She fought her disease with grace, dignity and determination. She won the battle and now rests in the arms of Jesus.

Close-up of a young man wearing a gray cap with “SKINS” on the front.

Alex McPeak

Alex Matthew McPeak, 28, of Coshocton, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at Summa Health in Akron, OH, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Elderly woman indoors near a window, with flowers and soft daylight behind her.

Janice Deolene (Grender) Heiser

Janice Deolene (Grender) Heiser passed away at home from cancer on Friday, May 22, 2026 two days before what would have been her 92nd birthday, with her family at her side.

Close-up portrait of a woman in a dark fur-trimmed coat, looking at the camera.

Katheryn G. Uhl Hoxworth

Katheryn G. Uhl Hoxworth, age 84, of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 with her loving family at her side following a sudden illness.

Smiling woman wearing glasses and a light-colored top, shown indoors in a screenshot.

Mariann Stutzman

Mariann Stutzman, 74, of Berlin, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at home, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Older man with glasses wearing a dark jacket against a gray background.

Harold Eldwin Campbell

Harold Eldwin Campbell, 80, of Dayton, Virginia and more recently of Fredericksburg, Ohio passed away peacefully at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster on May 24, 2026.

Police officer in uniform seated beside a computer monitor in an office.

Robert Euton

Robert “Bob” Euton, age 80, of Coshocton, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Roscoe Gardens.

Carl Baker

Carl Baker, age 65, of Coshocton passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Roscoe Gardens.

Close-up of a woman wearing glasses and a black-and-white patterned top.

Sharon L. Taylor

Sharon L. Taylor, 70, of West Lafayette, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at her residence.

Donald Lee Brown

Donald (Donny) Lee Brown, 73, of Newcomerstown passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Portrait of an elderly woman wearing glasses and a red jacket against a dark background.

Reva Jane Olinger

Reva Jane (Mckee) Olinger, age 92, peacefully passed, moving on to her new heavenly home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by her three children.

Smiling young man in a suit jacket, white shirt, and dark tie posed against a plain background.

Harold H. Donaker

Harold H. Donaker, age 89, of Frazeysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2026.

Portrait of a man in glasses wearing a patterned jacket and tie.

Mark W. Rogers

Mark William Rogers, 70, of Freeport, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio, after a long period of declining health.

Portrait of a man under a U.S. flag graphic with the word Veteran at the top.

Donald E. Evans

Donald Eugene Evans, aged 92, went to be with his Saviour at 11:22 AM on April 19, 2026, at Dayton, Ohio, in the presence of his family.

Close-up portrait of an older woman with short light hair in front of a wood-paneled wall.

Sharon L. Kyle

Sharon Louise Kyle, formerly Sharon Louise Neal, died May 20, 2026, in Westerville, OH. She was 79 years old.

Smiling older man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt in front of green trees.

Wayne O. Lepley

Wayne O. Lepley, age 83, of Atwater, passed away on May 22, 2026.

Smiling man wearing a dark baseball cap and black shirt in front of a beige wall.

William Gary High

William Gary High, age 84, of Franklin, Tennessee died May 7, 2026. He was born in Millersburg, Ohio on December 24, 1941.

Smiling older man wearing glasses in front of a decorated background.

Leon Smith

Leon Smith, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2026 peacefully in the presence of those he loved the most.

Man in a baseball cap looking back from inside a vehicle.

Daniel G. Youngen

Danny Youngen Click to add byline Daniel “Danny” G. Youngen, 74, of West Lafayette left this earth to be with his Lord on Monday, May 18, 2026 after an extended battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Studio portrait of a uniformed officer facing the camera against a plain background.

Jim Alexander

James “Jim” Harvey Alexander, 71, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

Smiling older woman wearing glasses and a blue jacket in a close-up screenshot.

Mary A. Peltz

Mary Ann Peltz, age 87, of Cadiz sadly passed away May 11, 2026 while residing at the Harrison County Home with her daughter by her side.

Elderly man in glasses and brown hat seated in front of an American flag graphic with 'VETERAN' text.

Gary Grant Bantum

Gary Grant Bantum, 87, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Lafayette Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation in West Lafayette.

Older man wearing glasses and a red shirt in front of a U.S. flag background with “VETERAN” text.

Thomas Lee Patterson

Thomas Lee “Tom” Patterson, 85, of West Lafayette passed away at his home with his family by his side on Friday May 15, 2026.

Elderly man in glasses and a blue shirt under a U.S. flag graphic with the word veteran.

Donald L. Stire

Donald Lee Stire of Cadiz passed away peacefully on Sunday May 10, 2026, in the Gables Care Center.

Portrait of an older man in glasses wearing a suit and tie on a dark blue background.

Paul M. Schonauer

Paul M. Schonauer, 86, of Coshocton peacefully passed away on May 13, 2026, at Windsorwood Place in Coshocton.

Smiling older man indoors beneath an American flag graphic and the word VETERAN.

Don C. Cassetty

Don C. Cassetty, 81, passed away March 4, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and community service.

Smiling man in a white shirt, tie, and light vest against a dark background.

Michael D’Ostroph

Michael D’Ostroph, 47, of Plainfield, passed away unexpectedly May 13, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Elderly woman smiling outdoors beside a grassy area.

Rita Kay Roach

Rita Kay Roach, 74, a resident of the Carroll Golden Age Retreat in Carrollton, died Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton.

Portrait of an older woman with white hair, glasses, and a red jacket against a neutral background.

Martha M. Green

Martha M. Green, age 84, of West Lafayette passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Genesis Hospital.

Smiling woman wearing glasses and a red-and-white checkered top in front of a blurred green background.

Lorena Miller

Lorena Mae Miller passed on May 9, 2026 at the age of 98; she was born on May 23, 1927, in Canton, Ohio, to the late David and Gladys (Fausnight) Kinsley.

Bearded man with glasses seated indoors in front of an Ohio State sign.

Jeffrey Craig

Jeff Craig Click to add byline Jeffrey Allen Craig of Millersburg, Ohio passed away on May 6, 2026, following a lengthy decline in health. He was born on April 22, 1958, in Wooster, Ohio.

Elderly man in a tan cap and glasses posed in front of a baseball stadium with an American flag graphic and the word Veteran.

David Brown

David Brown, 83, of Fresno, passed away early Tuesday Morning, May 12, 2026.

Close-up portrait of an older man with white hair, glasses, and a red tie.

Richard Niemiec

Richard “Dick” Niemiec, 86, of Wooster, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Apostolic Christian Home in Rittman after a long battle with inclusion body myositis (IBM).

Close-up of an elderly man wearing glasses and a bright neon yellow shirt.

Thomas Woodruff

Thomas Eugene Woodruff, 82, of Holmesville, Ohio, passed away on Monday May 11, 2026 at Sycamore Run Nursing Home.

Levi R. Mast

Levi R. Mast, 88, of Winesburg, Ohio, passed away at Pomerene Hospital on Monday, May 11, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Sandra Kaye Layman

Sandra Kaye (Cox) Layman, age 86, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Close-up of a man indoors in front of a tan perforated wall.

Steven L. Brown

Steven “Steve” L. Brown, age 69, of Millersburg, Ohio, and formerly of Mexia, Texas, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Akron Summa Hospital.

Portrait of an older man in a red shirt and beaded necklace with a U.S. flag and the word Veteran above him.

James R. Cash Jr.

James R. “Jim” Cash, Jr., 73 of Hopedale, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at his home with his family. Jim was born June 5, 1952, in Steubenville, Ohio a son of the late James R. and Agnes Kirk Cash, Sr.

Portrait of a man standing before an American flag design and the word “VETERAN.”

Jonathan Atwood

Jonathan Carl Atwood, 44, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his residence.

Young man wearing a black shirt and red tie standing outdoors near a house.

Colton James Dorsey

Colton James Dorsey, 18, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at his residence.

Eli J. Stutzman

Sepia portrait of a sailor with an American flag and the word veteran across the top.

Mike Thurston

Mike Thurston, a U.S. Navy veteran, longtime car salesman and gospel preacher, died May 9, 2026.

Portrait of a smiling woman wearing a crown and a white lace dress.

Marvel Louise Lewis

Marvel Louise Lewis, 81, of Dresden, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Altercare Newark North.

Ryan Smith

Ryan “Smitty” Smith, 53, of Minerva, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Aultman Hospital following a short illness.

Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with short blond hair and a light knit sweater.

Sally Ann Hudson Ross

Sally Ann Hudson Ross, 77, died peacefully on Sunday, May 3, in her home surrounded by friends.

Smiling older man in a scarf with an American flag graphic and the word “VETERAN” above him.

Jerry James Foster

Jerry James Foster, 86, died March 29, 2026. Jerry was born November 12, 1939, and grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of the late town physician, Dr. Gerald Foster, and a community-minded mother, the late Lucille (Jemison) Foster.

Portrait of a man in military uniform under an American flag graphic labeled Veteran.

Harry Richard Bordenkircher

Harry Richard “Rich” Bordenkircher, age 93, of Coshocton, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Person using a calculator with financial documents on a desk.

Coshocton County delays second-half tax bills

HB 186 changes pushed the 2025 second-half property tax deadline to Tuesday, Aug. 4, as officials update billing amounts

Nobles to perform at Coshocton church

Timothy and Hosanna Noble will present a patriotic concert July 5 during the 10:30 a.m. service at Prairie Chapel Methodist Church

Hiner backs capital bill for Coshocton

The nearly $4 billion Ohio capital budget includes more than $700,000 for Coshocton County projects and now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine

River View track athletes earn honors

River View High School athletes received All-MVL and Eastern District all-star honors, and Parker Andrews placed fifth in the Division III state 200-meter dash

View Community Calendar

Find us on Facebook

The Coshocton County Beacon

THE LATEST

Local

Beauty @ The Wright Place opens

Jen Wright’s new salon at 402 Main St. in downtown Coshocton held a ribbon cutting May 28 and aims to support young beauty professionals

Columbia Gas warns against DIY gas work

During National Safety Month, the utility urged Ohio customers to hire qualified professionals for natural gas appliance and line work

Much care will go into picking trees for grant project

The 2025 funding will support stump removal, tree inventory and planting in low- to moderate-income areas of the city

Coshocton optometrist joins Erwin Family Eye Care

Dr. Griffin Mason, a Coshocton High graduate, begins seeing patients July 6 and plans free June eye care for children age 5-12 facing financial barriers

Close-up of American flag fabric showing white stars on blue with red and white stripes behind it.

Bill would update school funding shares

Rep. Kevin Miller said House Bill 479 could lower local construction costs for districts

Coshocton lands $1 million tree grant

The USDA-funded project will plant, remove and inventory trees in low- to moderate-income areas over the next three years

Healthcare worker holding a patient's hand.

Coshocton health district highlights ENT physician

Jeremy Rich of GMG ENT Coshocton says local residents can access ear, nose and throat care without traveling to neighboring cities

Sports

Teigan Taylor selected for all-state softball games

Taylor will represent her area Aug. 8 in Marion, where top performers can advance to a national championship event in Florida

Athlete in black uniform near a high jump bar during a track and field event.

River View's Adams competes at state meet

Chloee Adams represented River View High School in the high jump at the Ohio state track and field meet in Columbus

Runner in black crosses a track with a yellow fifth-place graphic overlay.

Parker Andrews places fifth in state 200

River View senior matched his prelim time of 22.09 at the OHSAA meet in Columbus to earn All-Ohio honors for a second straight year

Coshocton, River View earn MVL softball honors

The Muskingum Valley League named Coshocton and River View players to its 2026 all-league varsity softball teams

Gabe Rainwater earns 20th Mohican 100 finish

The local ultrarunner became the youngest runner to reach 20 finishes at the Loudonville race and received the event’s 2,000-Mile Buckle

Community Spotlight

Partially built house with exterior sheathing and ladders on the outside.

Coshocton home marks 102 years in family

The house at 663 John St., bought by William Hiser in 1924, has passed through three generations and reflects a century of local family history

Local moms share heartfelt Mother's Day reflections

Women express the joys and challenges of motherhood ahead of Mother's Day May 10

Dominic Greco Band to play Newcomerstown

Free June 20 concert at Newcomerstown Middle School will follow a historical society lunch as part of ARTSNCT's Arts for All program

Roscoe Village to host Ohio history talk

Author Dan Rager will present 250 years of Ohio transportation history June 13 at the Roscoe Village Visitors Center in Coshocton

Corvette show returns to Roscoe Village

The Classic Glass Corvette Club held its 27th annual event June 14 with vintage cars, music and fellowship in Coshocton

Broken red paper heart with a bandage on a wooden wood-grain surface.

Coshocton health project seeks resident photos

A state-funded initiative led by the Coshocton Public Health District invites residents to document safety and access concerns in Central Coshocton County before a late summer grant deadline

Columns and Opinion

Life and Learning