E. Wm. "Bill" Cody

We are sad to announce the passing of E. Wm. "Bill" Cody, a longtime resident of Lancaster, Ohio. He was just a few days shy of his 90th birthday when he passed on Sunday, September 18. While our family will miss him greatly, we know that his only wish was to rejoin his one true love, Donnalee B. (King) Cody who preceded him in death on August 12, 2020 after 66 years of marriage.

Those of us grieving his passing include his only daughter, Chari Caton and her husband Michael, Bill's granddaughters Melissa McLaren (Mikael), Jennifer Wiseman (Josh) and Corey Cain. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren Conner, Murphy, Ellie, Gabriel, and Noah. The family pets were also incredibly fond of Bill as he was constantly feeding them treats when he thought we weren't looking.

Bill was born in Wichita. KA  on Sept. 28, 1932 . He met his wife, Donna, while she was working at Isley's Ice Cream Parlor, in Columbus, Ohio. He spent many years as manager of Singer Sewing Machines. He was well known throughout the southeast region of Ohio for his 30+ years with Lifetouch National School Studios as a professional photographer and  territory manager. You may recognize "Wild Bill Cody" as the man who took your school photo if you are old enough today to have children in high school or college. Bill and Donna retired to Venice and Naples, Florida where they lived for 15 years, enjoying golf and traveling with friends.

When Donna suffered a stroke in 2018, Bill became her constant companion, refusing to leave her side until her death on August 12, 2020. His enduring wish was to be by her side again. While we mourn his death, we are comforted to know they are together again, probably dancing, and most certainly catching up on all that has passed in their two years apart.

Since Donna's memorial service was postponed two years ago due to COVID, we have chosen to have a memorial service for them both on October 7, 2022 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Ohio. Receiving of friends from 10-11 with service beginning at 11:00 am, Rev. Diana Gugel to officiate.  They will be laid to rest at Forest Rose Cemetery in Lancaster, Ohio.

If you would like to honor either of them in a memorial gift, please direct it to St. Peter's Lutheran Church "Kitchen Fund" and send it to 105 E. Mulberry Street, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130.
Caring Cremation has taken place as well as church arrangements by Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory.