William B. Marks

William B. Marks, a lifelong resident of Vermilion, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Firelands Regional Medical Center at the age of 97.

He was born on June 3, 1926, in Vermilion where he was a life long resident.

He dedicated himself to serving his country, bravely serving in the 802nd Army Marine Ship Repair Company during World War II.

William started his career as a welder for American Ship and then began working at Ford Motor Co., Lorain where his hard work and dedication spanned an impressive 32 years. Starting as a welder and rising through the ranks, he retired in 1988 as a respected supervisor.

Beyond his professional life, William was a pillar of his community. He held membership in St. Mary Catholic Parish and was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the VFW Post #7576 , AMVETS Post #22, American Legion Post #397, Vermilion, The Boys of Coon Hollow, and he was a founding member of the Vermilion Fish and Game club. His unwavering dedication extended to serving as a 4H Advisor, imparting knowledge and values to future generations. William's passions included hunting, fishing, camping, the thrill of race cars (he was instrumental in the construction of the Sandusky Raceway), and the serenity of Lake Erie. His skills as a welder also played a pivotal role in crafting fishing boats with his father at his father’s welding shop (Marks Welding), a testament to his craftsmanship.

William's enduring legacy lives on through his children: Theresa (Ken) Arendt of Vermilion, David (Sheryl) Marks, Dennis (Joyce) Marks, Mary Haber, Jim (Connie) Marks, and Diana (Larry) Whitacre. He was a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Eloise  Tyrene and Betty Gioffredo, as well as his brother, Ed (Jackie) Marks; brother -in-law, Tony (Marie) Bodde; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife whom he married on Aug 16, 1952,  Josephine (nee Bodde) Marks, who passed away in 1999, as well as his parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (nee Mayer) Marks; sisters, Helen Sciarini and Theresa Marks; and son-in-law, Gene Haber.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 from 9:30 am until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089 Father Doug Taylor from Ohio Veterans Home will officiate. A military honors ceremony will immediately follow the service, honoring his dedicated service to the nation.  Private inurnment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions be made to Resident Benefit Fund of the Ohio Veterans Home, 3416 South Columbus Street, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Expressions of sympathy and online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com