William "Bill" Rea Young

William Rea Young

July 14, 1944- February 6, 2026

William Rea “Bill” Young, age 81, passed away on February 6, 2026. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Ohio. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and devoted dog- father whose life was rooted in family, community, and hard work.

Born on July 14, 1944, Bill was the eldest son of Ruth Rea Young and Henry Arthur Young, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Ashland College with degrees in Business Management and Education, a foundation that supported a lifetime of leadership and service.

In 1967, Bill married Betty Deitchel, and together they built a strong, enduring partnership that lasted 58 years. He was a proud father to two sons: William Michael Young (Carma Brandenburg) of Mount Sterling, Ohio; Benjamin Robert Young (Dinese Sheffield) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Chad Lawhun (Sarah) of London, Ohio, who was cherished like a son. Bill took immense joy in his role as grandfather to Nicholas John- Michael, Sophia Elise, Chandler Grace, Eloise Cosette, Caydynn Maria, and William Thomas. Pivotal in Bill’s life were his treasured dogs; survived by Tanner and preceded in death by Tobey, Casey, Margaret, Hank, and Booker.

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Young) Hennigan, and her husband, James Hennigan, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and his younger brother, John Young of London, Ohio. Bill had one niece, Lynda Hennigan (m. Robert Mina) of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and one nephew, Matthew Hennigan (Jennifer Hennigan) of Florida.

Bills professional life reflected both tradition and innovation, graduating from Ashland College in Business Management with a minor in Education. He was a multigenerational Madison County Farmer, an educator in London City Schools, and a DeKalb Seed Dealer. His commitment to agriculture, education, and local business helped shape the community he loved.

Civic involvement was central to Bills life. He was a previous member of the London Kiwanis Club, president of the London City Schools Board of Education, president of the Madison County Farm Bureau, chairman of the London Board of Public Utilities, and a member of the London City Schools Foundation Board. He was the 2018 recipient of the London Rotary Clubs Joe Yoder Award for Agriculture.

Bill was a robust man in every sense- known for his large stature, strong will, determination, confidence, stability, and leadership. He was deeply passionate about family, heritage, and tradition. Outside of work and service, Bill embraced life fully. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, trap shooting, and gun collecting, and he savored the simple pleasures of good food, fine wine, music, and cigars. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, dogs, friends, and loved ones.

In accordance with Bills wishes, there will be a private family service conducted by Pastor Anthony Smith. IN lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.