William "Bill" Oliver Bales

Reverend Deacon William Oliver “Bill”  Bales, aged 87, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday evening, May 25, 2024, at his home in New Lexington, Ohio surrounded by his beloved family.

Born June 18, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, to the late William Richard and Muriel Grace (Long) Bales, Bill truly left a legacy of love, service, and devotion to his faith.

Bill loved spending time outdoors and was active in Boy Scouts, eventually earning Eagle Scout status. He continued with the Boy Scouts as a District Scout Executive in Marion, Ohio. He was also employed by S.S. Kresge and continued a career in retail management until his retirement from J.C. Penney in 1996.

In 1993, Bill became an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church. He served as a campus minister for Hocking College, was a member of the clergy for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Logan, Ohio, and served in joint ministry at Trinity Episcopal/Presbyterian Church in McArthur, Ohio, and Epiphany Episcopal Church in Nelsonville, Ohio. Bill was passionate about serving the community through feeding ministries at all three churches, as well as a prison ministry in Nelsonville. He was very active in the Southern Ohio Diocese of the Episcopal Church and became a member of the Order of Saint Francis in 2019.

Above all, Bill loved being with people. He loved his family and enjoyed social events. An outdoorsman, he could often be found around a campfire, hiking in the woods, camping in Michigan, boating, or throwing cookouts and potlucks. He enjoyed road-trips and always taking the “scenic way” home.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Kathryn Edith (Sheatzley) Bales; son, Rusty (Suzie) Bales of Marion, Ohio; daughter, Nancy (Fred) Kohn of Columbus, Ohio; brother, Mark (Sue) Bales of Michigan; sisters, Judy Eno and Mary Jane Ritz, both of Michigan; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Michael; and his sister, Joan.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Logan, Ohio on Saturday, June 8, 2024 officiated by Bishop Kristin Uffelman White, Father Stephen Smith, and Deacon Paul Scanlon.

Arrangements by Roberts Funeral Home in Logan, Ohio.

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