William Jennings Harrah

Harrah, William Jennings (Bill), age 84 of Vandalia, Ohio passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, at his home after a ten month battle with Mesothelioma. He was surrounded by his family and his beloved cat, Tugger. William leaves behind to honor his life, his loving wife of 59 years, Norma, his two daughters Rebecca Chappell (Richard), and Brenda Southwell (Robert), his three grandchildren Jennifer, Jake, and Jessica Zula, and three of his sisters Margret Shelton, Rose Weaver, and Frances Harrah. William was born on October 3, 1929 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Basil and Josephine Harrah, the 5th of 10 children. He proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry in Korea, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. Continuing his passion to serve his community, William was Mayor of Vandalia and served on the Vandalia City Council and Planning Commission for many years. William was a long standing member at Polk Grove United Church of Christ where he served on numerous committees. Bill worked for over 30 years as a Field Consultant for Brown & Head Architects in Dayton. He was a part of the construction of over 500 buildings in the Miami Valley. He was a consummate carpenter, electrician, plumber and draftsman. A gathering for friends and family will be held at Morton Whetstone Funeral Home 139 S. Dixie Dr. Vandalia on Sunday from 4pm-7pm. Funeral services will be held at Polk Grove United Church of Christ 9190 Frederick Pike on Monday, March 24, at 10:30am with interment to follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. William will be deeply missed, and his family wishes to express their gratitude to the long list of friends and loved ones who brightened his life. Bill always had a smile to share and will be smiling forevermore at the long drives of the "Over the Hill Gang" at Cassel Hills. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or to the Honor Flight of Dayton, 525 Victory Rd. Springfield, OH 45504 which Bill was fortunate to experience.