William Reist Obituary

William H. "Bill" Reist

William H. "Bill" Reist, 73, entered his eternal reward Thursday, March 20, 2025. Bill was a pastor credentialed by the Churches of God General Conference, serving churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Most recently, Bill was senior pastor of College First Church of God, Findlay, from 2002-2018. In 2025, College First named him Pastor Emeritus. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in theology by the University of Findlay, and in 2025, he was appointed Trustee Emeritus for his long tenure as co-chair of the Governance Committee of the UF Board of Trustees. He served on the Blanchard Valley Health System board and helped launch the Backyard Mission, a localized service-based mission effort. He was a member of Rotary Club and took an active interest in community affairs. He enjoyed classical music and for several years sang with the University of Findlay Civic Choir. Upon retirement from College First Church of God, Bill served as director of the Great Lakes Foundation, a grant-making organization for conference churches. Bill graduated from the University of Findlay, Winebrenner Seminary, and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy (Markle); sons, Jonathan (Ashley) and Benjamin (Laura); and grandchildren, Savannah, Stella, Isabel, and Bennett.

He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Scarlett; brother, Sam; and parents, Henry and Hazel.

Bill lived a purposeful life guided by a mission of introducing those around him to a personal and saving faith in Jesus Christ. He was a cherished friend and always a trusted source of wisdom seasoned with an abundance of grace and truth.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at College First Church of God, Findlay. Burial will be private at a later date. Funeral service will be live-streamed via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collegefirstchurchofgod4754

Donations can be made to College First Church of God or Great Lakes Foundation, both of Findlay.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.