William H. Schelker

On June 9, 2026, William H. Schelker passed away at the age of 87. William was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy, father William; sister, Tama Abrams; brother, Daniel “Danny”; and son, William Bennet Schelker. William is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Fleming) Schelker; his sister, Alice; his daughters, Danielle Schelker (Kevin Browning) and Marcella Schelker (Chris Carey); and his grandchildren, Erika Kuhn, Caris Kuhn and Avery Browning.

William, known to his family and friends as Bill, was a man who loved his family/friends, lived his life through faith, and proudly served his country. Bill was born in Rosco, NY. Bill was passionate about flying. He received his pilot’s license at the very young age of fourteen. By continuing this passion for flying through much of his life, Bill was able to enjoy once in a lifetime experience most would not have the same opportunity at his young age. Bill enlisted and served in the Army first then the Navy, serving a total of eight years in the Military. In Nineteen Sixty-Five, after completing his military service, he married Barbara. Bill began working at Link, located in New York, for a period before relocating to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. During his time at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Bill made the transition into Simulation of aircraft for pilot training. Bill and his family eventually relocated to Beavercreek, Ohio. In Beavercreek, Bill continued his commitment to service by training for and becoming a volunteer EMT/ Firefighter for his local fire department. While working, Bill attended Wright State University where he received a degree in Computer Engineering. Bill invested his knowledge and skills further serving his country by working with the Airforce engineering team in aviation and aviation simulators.

Bill had many hobbies and passions aside from flying. He enjoyed cooking and camping with friends and family. During his time in the fire service, Bill met his best friend /brother of thirty-five years, Kip Smith. During ‘down’ time, Bill and Kip attended many camping trips together in addition to cooking for church and fire department functions. They spent countless hours together feeding more than a 1000 people.

Bill was a man known for committing his life to his faith, family and country. He will forever be remembered as a devoted/loving husband, father, best friend/brother, and above all a man of many mysteries and untold stories.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00am, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek, OH, with a Visitation prior to Mass, at the Church, from 10:00am-11:00am.

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"Fair winds & following seas"