COLUMBUS
William D. “Bill” Lion of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life Thursday, December 13, 2018, at Brown County Health and Living Community in Nashville, Indiana. He was born October 5,1927, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Herman F. and Isabel (Ferraris) Lion.
He attended Goddard Prep School in Plainfield, Vermont, and was a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He loved ships and sailed to many foreign ports delivering cargo. According to an article in the Gloucester Massachusetts Daily Times, on one such trip, he jumped into shark-infested waters to help rescue an airman whose B29 had crashed. He served his country as an officer in the US Navy from 1950-1955.
After working ten years for Gulf Research and Development Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill moved to Columbus for a position in marine engineering for Cummins. He retired in 1983 and enjoyed many years of travel, visiting all fifty states and many foreign countries.
Bill’s interests were many and varied. He loved nature, animals, and the outdoors; however, he was equally comfortable improvising on his trumpet, playing board games with his grandchildren or attending an opera. A fascination with cars began with part ownership in a Stanley Steamer and continued throughout his life. He was a member of the Hoosier Hills Rifle Club and enjoyed competitive shooting in his younger life.
The son of a Unitarian minister, Bill was a lifelong Unitarian. He was a founding member of what is now known as the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, Indiana and attended services until his health no longer allowed.
Bill was a warm, caring, and considerate man. He never complained as he faced life’s challenges. His naturally modest nature belied the strength he called upon when needed. He retained his good humor throughout his life and was well liked by all with whom he came in contact.
He and Elizabeth Lion were proud parents of a daughter, Margaret M. (Scott Hutchinson) Lion of Bloomington, Indiana, who survives. In 1975, he married Karen R. (Ruckriegle) Grasch and became an equally proud bonus father to Kenneth L. (Sandie) Grasch of San Antonio, Texas; Teri L. Miles of Cincinnati, Ohio; David A. (Sandra) Grasch of Montalba, Texas; and Melody A. DeVoe of Columbus, Indiana-all of whom survive. Also surviving are ten step-grandchildren and twelve step-great grandchildren as well as a sister, Ruth Harpin, of Vero Beach, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers Felix, Richard “Dick/’ Herman “Bud” Lion and sister, Isabel Lavens, as well as a step-grandson, Justin Tyler Truett.
In the interest of advancement of health science education, Bill donated his body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, December 28, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the UUCCI church, 7850 West Goeller Blvd., Columbus, Indiana 47201.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Just Friends Adult Day Center, 900 Lindsey Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201 or Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 Southeast First Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131.
