William Eugene Iler Sr.

William Eugene Iler Sr., 92, resident of Minerva, Ohio passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and daughter in her home Friday, June 23, 2023.

Bill will be remembered for his deep love of his country, his integrity, as a dedicated provider for his family, and for his generosity towards others. He was a quiet man who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He never missed an opportunity to help a friend in need, and he always gave from his heart. He was warm, generous and genuine.

Bill was born November 14, 1930, in Dennison, Ohio, to William and Luella Iler.  The family moved to Genoa (Perry Heights) in 1941. Upon leaving school, Bill worked with his dad at the family-owned Texaco gas station on the corner of Genoa Road and Lincoln Way East and, in 1951, was employed at Canton Drop Forge Co. In May 1952, he was drafted and chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean war. He served in Pusan, Korea. He was honorably discharged from active duty in April 1954. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 1 star, and United Nations Service Medal.

He was employed as a carpenter by James Gellenbeck Construction and started work with Galen Oakes Construction in 1970 as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator until his retirement. He then worked with his son, maintaining heavy equipment.  Bill was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3124 and Army – Navy #207 and was a member of the American Legion Post 221.  He also was a 33rd Degree Mason.  As an avid firearms enthusiast, he also was a member of the Stark Gun Federation and NRA.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert; brother-in-law, Thomas Jordan; and great-grandson, Sutton.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Roberta (Carr) Iler; sister, Audrey Jordan of Paris, OH; daughters, Barbara (Bill) Johnson of Tucson, AZ, Rhonda (George deceased) Harders of Alliance, OH; Patricia (Karl) Mayle of Paris OH; son, Bill Jr. of Massillon, OH; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home in Louisville, Ohio.  Visitation will take place on Monday, July 3, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with services immediately to follow.  Celebration of Life will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3124 in Massillon, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.