William VanAtta Obituary

William Lloyd "Bill" Van Atta

William Lloyd "Bill" Van Atta, 77, of Findlay, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

Bill was born Jan. 19, 1946, to Clarence E and Ruth E (Hardwick) Van Atta.

He married Barb Carpenter (deceased) in 1965 and they later divorced. Bill married Suzi (Wilkins) Davis (surviving) in 1975 and they later divorced.

Bill is also survived by his children, Sam (Krissy) Van Atta, Kristina (Todd) Essinger, Kelly (Matt) Ashcraft, and Eddie (Kelley) Van Atta; 11 grandchildren, Jaimie Kneer, Jessica Van Atta, Nikkie Groff, Cody Essinger, Carter Essinger, Cayne Essinger, Austin Van Atta, Bailey Ashcraft, Jacob Van Atta, Molly Van Atta, and Clay Van Atta; four great-grandchildren, Londyn, Russell, Wally, and precious little boy on the way (Jessica); sister, Laurel; and precious and beloved dog who has found a new loving home within the family so she can continue to be spoiled with car rides and snuggles by those that love her dearly, Princess.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and best friend and "partner," Fred Wibbing.

Bill enlisted and proudly served in U.S. Army. He served and fought in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. Although never properly appreciated or welcomed home, Bill brought many memories home with him. Most of them have never been shared with anyone outside of his brothers.

Bill loved all of his immediate and extended family and friends with a huge heart and an even bigger heart for making sure he kept in contact and visited often with all of them. Family was most important to him. Bill was well known for early morning visits at local coffee shops and his ornery behavior. Once you heard his giggle, you never forgot it. Bill never met a stranger and everyone who ever met him had long talks with lots of laughs. He loved to give guidance and advice especially.

Rarely did Bill miss a football, baseball, soccer, softball, basketball game, or track meet to see his children and grandchildren and make him beam with so much pride. Once his health started to prevent him from attending, he would be sure to call before, during, and after for updates. He insisted he would get back to attending and he did just that for many more games.

An avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Bill was proud of most of his children and grandchildren for following the fan base and gave his two daughters all kinds of teasing for being UM fans.

The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians were at the top of his list of favorites. He attended many games and watched them on television when he wasn't in person. This is the year for the Brownies, they're going to the Super Bowl!!!

Bill's wishes were to celebrate his life rather than mourn his loss. The immediate family will gather privately. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends to celebrate Bill's life at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Findlay Loyal Order of Moose.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Bill's wishes are to donate in his memory to City Mission of Findlay or St. Jude's. Both were beloved to Bill and he donated monthly.

The family wishes to thank the ER and ICU staff at Blanchard Valley Health Systems as well as Pastor Steve Ramsey of Good Hope Lutheran, Arlington. The care and compassion in the last days of Bill's life were more than expected and appreciated more than we could express.

COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, is assisting family with arrangements and online condolences can be shared by visiting coldrencrates.com.