William H. Flanary, 73, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Fulton Manor Nursing Home, Wauseon, Ohio.  William was born September 26, 1951, in Norton Virginia, son of the late John H. and Constance "Connie" D. (Owens) Flanary.  He was a 1970 graduate of Hicksville High School, and married his high school sweetheart, Diana M. Kaylor, on December 6, 1969, in Angola, Indiana, and she survives.  After school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1970, until his honorable discharge in 1974.  William worked as a millwright - foundry service & repair at General Motors Foundry in Defiance for nearly 50 years, retiring in 2018.  William was a member of Empower Church.  He was also a member of the United Auto Workers Local 211, served on the board of directors for Midwest Community Federal Credit Unit, and volunteered as a Chaplain at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio.  William enjoyed traveling, especially being on the water, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Surviving is his wife, Diana Flanary of Defiance; four children, William (Laurie) Flanary II of Defiance, Jonathan Flanary of Defiance, Christopher Flanary of Defiance, and Amelia (Joshua) Flanary-Drenning of Knoxville, Tennessee; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Agatha Lee "Sissy" (Gary) Elmore of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, David Brendan (Jodi) Flanary of Hicksville, Tracy (Kevin) Sanders of Cecil, Ohio, and Jamie (Eric) Handy. of Hicksville.  William was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Johnnie Pritchett; and two brothers, Tony "Ralph" Flanary and Mark Flanary.

Visitation for William H. Flanary will be held Monday, December 23, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. at Empower Church, 09228 Hicksville Edgerton Road, Hicksville, Ohio 43526.  A Memorial Service will immediately follow in the church beginning at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jay Scott officiating.  Military Rites will be accorded at the church by a combined Honor Guard from the Hicksville American Legion Post 223, Sherwood VFW Post 5665, and the Farmer American Legion Post 137.  Private burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.  Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, Ohio 43526.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Empower Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.