Trending
William Russell Fleck, 91, of Oak Harbor, O.H., and formerly of Lewistown, Pa., and Columbus, O.H., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Riverview Healthcare Campus in Oak Harbor.
He was born on June 29, 1935, in Huntingdon, to William and Emma (Griffith) Fleck. William was a graduate of Lewistown High School in Lewistown, Pa. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 12 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his military service, William was employed by the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) in Columbus, where he dedicated more than 30 years of service before retiring in 1992.
William had many interests that brought him great joy throughout his life. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting the bus station in his hometown of Lewistown, where he enjoyed watching the Greyhound buses arrive and depart while keeping track of whether they were running on schedule. A lifelong baseball fan, William remained devoted to the Oakland Aás, having followed the franchise since its days in Philadelphia during his childhood. He also loved sports in general and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Penn State Nittany Lions.
William developed a love for old-time radio long before the advent of television and especially enjoyed listening to the Dragnet radio series. In his later years, he devoted countless hours to researching his familyás genealogy and preserving his family heritage. He also found comfort and inspiration in Southern Gospel music, with Jake Hess and J.D. Sumner among his favorite performers. Throughout his lifetime, William enjoyed traveling and cherished the opportunity to experience new places and meet new people.
William is survived by his daughter, Patricia Elaine Fleck; his son, William Fleck Jr.; his brother, Robert Fleck; his grandchildren, Edwin Herdman, Marriann Deer, and Emily Barnhard; numerous great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Dana Nicole Deer; his brother, Ronald Fleck; and his sister, Caroline Fleck.
In accordance with Williamás wishes,