C. William "Bill" Harple

C. William “Bill” Harple, 87, of Tiffin, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Sandusky, on June 20, 1936 to the late Donovan A. and June (Hanville) Harple. He first married Lynn (Crawford) in Chicago, IL and they later divorced, then he married Denise M. (Maclean) in Bascom on January 11, 1990 and she survives in Tiffin.

Other survivors include his children, Donovan T. (Dana) Harple of Brookhaven, GA, Thomas A. (Rebecca) Harple of Charlottesville, VA, H. Scott (Carryn) Maclean of NC, Carrie A. (Todd) Barnes of Pickerington and nine grandchildren, Casey Harple, Riley Harple, Nathaniel Harple, Caitlyn and Hadyen Harple, Caleigh Mclean, Mackenzie Barnes, Jaret Barnes and Ty Barnes.

Professionally, Bill was a leader, Founder/President and CEO of Seneca Consolidated Industries, comprised of Seneca Environmental Products Inc., Continental/Fremont and Seneca Metal Fabrication. He served on several Board of Directors and Trustee positions including, Tiffin University, Commercial National Bank, Old Fort Banking Company and Systech Corporation. He was involved with the state of Ohio serving as Director of Economic and Community Development under Governor Jack Gilligan, leading economic trade missions and growing the economy across the state, President of Association of Ohio Commodores, Ohio Development Advisory Council, Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board, and Keep Ohio Beautiful Commission. His community guidance included - Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce (2-time President), Seneca County Airport Advisory Commission, and Seneca/Ottawa/Sandusky Counties Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee and many others that did not carry official titles.

Bill was a caring member of society and family; he was a proud Democrat, learning values from his parents. His mother was a delegate of the Democratic Convention in 1948 and bestowed an outlook on life that lasted his lifetime. He was a booster of many educational institutions, Tiffin University, Heidelberg College, Columbian High School and Calvert High School. He was an accomplished pilot, loved flying and exposing others to the joy of flight.

Bill loved sports, playing golf (not well), auto racing, football, baseball and cheering for his Cleveland Browns/Cleveland Indians and Ohio State. His family was paramount, brought him incredible happiness, and he taught hem the values and lessons that will forever be continued.

Bill loved his wife and all the travel adventures that they were able to share, he loved his children and watching them grow and he particularly enjoyed every moment that he shared with his grandchildren. He bestowed upon his family recognizing the gift that is life, embracing moments and taking the time to enjoy.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Thursday, from 3:00 p.m., until the time of the service at the funeral home. There will be no burial held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tiffin Salvation Army or the Seneca County Humane Society.

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