William Morehead

William J. Morehead, 91, of Van Wert, passed away at 2:42 AM on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at Van Wert Health while surounded by his loving family. He was born November 13, 1927, in Convoy, to the late William and Elsie (Speelman) Morehead.

On August 23, 1947, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Miller. They resided in the Convoy area until moving to Van Wert during their later years. He attended school in Convoy and was awarded an honorary degree from Crestview High School.

William enlisted in the United States Navy at seventeen and served on several aircraft carriers, Barnes, Kasaan Bay & Kadashan Bay. He was a petty officer 3C water tender and was a veteran of WWII and Korean War. After he was discharged, he served in the Navy Reserves for a total of 91/2 years of military service. William was a member of the Kadashan Bay retirement group and enjoyed many reunions with his old military buddies.

He was a member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the VFW, the DAV and the Escort Carrier Sailor's & Airman's Association.

William was a commercial beekeeper for most of his life and was also an Apiary Inspector with the State of Ohio. He retired from Federal Mogul after 23 years.

He was a wonderful gardener, loved fishing and enjoyed his family.

He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Ann (William) Wortman of Ohio City, Ohio, and Debra Kay (Jonathan) Warner of Elida, Ohio; five grandchildren, Amanda Wortman, Megan Wortman, Sarah Friesner, Krissa (Shawn) Dorsten and Erick Warner; three step grandchildren, Shawn Warner, Jason Warner and Kayla (Matt) Nalley; fourteen great-grandchildren and two on the way; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Morehead; brother, Paul "Buckshot" Morehead; sister, Lola Mae Holmes; grandson, Scott Wortman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert with military honors rendered by the combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Van Wert VFW Post 5803.

Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.