C. Harple Obituary

C. William "Bill" Harple

C. William "Bill" Harple, 87, of Tiffin, passed away Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Bill was born June 20, 1936, in Sandusky, to Donovan A. and June (Hanville) Harple. He first married Lynn (Crawford) in Chicago, Illinois, and they later divorced. He then married Denise M. (Maclean) on Jan. 11, 1990, in Bascom, and survives in Tiffin.

Bill's other survivors include his children, Donovan T. (Dana) Harple of Brookhaven, Georgia, Thomas A. (Rebecca) Harple of Charlottesville, Virginia, H. Scott (Carryn) Maclean of North Carolina, and Carrie A. (Todd) Barnes of Pickerington; and nine grandchildren, Casey Harple, Riley Harple, Nathaniel Harple, Caitlyn and Hadyen Harple, Caleigh Mclean, Mackenzie Barnes, Jaret Barnes, and Ty Barnes.

Professionally, Bill was a leader, founder, President and CEO of Seneca Consolidated Industries, comprised of Seneca Environmental Products Inc., Continental/Fremont, and Seneca Metal Fabrication. He served on several Board of Directors and Trustee positions including Tiffin University, Commercial National Bank, Old Fort Banking Company, and Systech Corporation. He was involved with the state of Ohio, serving as Director of Economic and Community Development under Governor Jack Gilligan, leading economic trade missions and growing the economy across the state, President of Association of Ohio Commodores, Ohio Development Advisory Council, Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board, and Keep Ohio Beautiful Commission. His community guidance included Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce (two-time President), Seneca County Airport Advisory Commission, and Seneca/Ottawa/Sandusky Counties Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee and many others that did not carry official titles.

Bill was a caring member of society and family. He was a proud Democrat, learning values from his parents. His mother was a delegate of the Democratic Convention in 1948 and bestowed an outlook on life that lasted his lifetime. He was a booster of many educational institutions including Tiffin University, Heidelberg College, Columbian High School, and Calvert High School. He was an accomplished pilot, loved flying and exposing others to the joy of flight.

Bill loved sports, playing golf (not well), auto racing, football, baseball, and cheering for his Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and Ohio State. His family was paramount, brought him incredible happiness, and he taught hem the values and lessons that will forever be continued.

Bill loved his wife and all the travel adventures that they were able to share. He loved his children and watching them grow and he particularly enjoyed every moment that he shared with his grandchildren. He bestowed upon his family recognizing the gift that is life, embracing moments and taking the time to enjoy.

Bill's memorial service will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will be 3-3:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. There will be no burial at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tiffin Salvation Army or Seneca County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.