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William E. "Bill" Columber                  Send flowers

Services: Friday June 5th, 2026 at 11:00am at the LaRue Baptist Church Add to Google Calendar

Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue Add to Google Calendar

William E. “Bill” Columber, 84 of LaRue, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026. Bill was born in Marion July 29, 1941 to the late Walter and Helen (Temple) Columber. Bill was also predeceased by a sister, Nancy Higginbotham, brothers Robert Columber and Vernon Columber, and brother-in-law Ray Higginbotham. When Bill was a boy his family moved from Marion to LaRue, where he embraced the small town and country life. As a teen, Bill worked all sorts of odd jobs for local farmers. This would carry him on as he would earn his FFA State degree during his time at LaRue High. Bill also enjoyed athletics, and was remembered as a fierce center for the LaRue Indian football team (their 1958 team was the top 6 man team in the country at that time). He enjoyed golfing in his adult years. After graduating high school, he would take a job at Marion Power Shovel, where he would advance his way up and be provided the opportunity to earn a degree through a night school program in Mechanical and Structural Engineering. This would pave the way for Bill to ultimately end up as an engineer for Honda, where he would oversee the actual construction and building of supplier plants. Bill knew his Lord and Savior and was a member of the LaRue Baptist Church. He was a guiding light for several men in his family, and he certainly walked the walk. A leader in his community, Bill served as the local Boy Scout Master in the 60’s and 70’s. He helped several of his ‘boys’ earn their Eagle Scout Badges. He also served roles at the LaRue Baptist Church, as a deacon and trustee. After dating, Bill would go on to marry his LaRue sweetheart Sandra ‘Sandy’ (Harruff) Columber on May 26, 1961 at the St. John Methodist Church in Monroe, MI. He and Sandy loved to travel, as they visited all 50 states (most several times over) and over 25 countries. He loved to take in the historical sites on their trips, and was especially fond of New Zealand and Germany. Bill also loved their annual family trips to Minnesota and Canada in his earlier years, and the family “Thanks-Mas” trips with his entire family in his later years. He looked forward to his winters in Tavares, Florida. Bill will be remembered as a perfectionist and a man of integrity, he expected no less from others, especially his family. His work ethic and stoic demeanor leave a legacy to be admired. Bill loved his family, they were the true joy of his life. Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Sandra Columber of LaRue. Daughters: Melanie (Gary) Hinkle of Lyons, Kristin (Richard Jr) Holcomb of LaRue. Grandchildren: Amber (Michael Woodruff) Chartier, Tyler (Chelsea) Wyse, Trevor William Wyse (preceded in death), Ashley (Dustin) Ford, Meisha (Tony) Adlington, Kyleigh (Bryant) Frazier, Kyndell (Tim Rick) Vansky, Ryne Vansky, Kaysi (Hayden) Stofcheck, Alex (Whitley) Holcomb. Great-Grandchildren: Addison and Logan Chartier, Desmond, Griffin, Juliana and Olivia Wyse, Grayson, Willson, Aubree and Bennett Ford, Brooklynn and Graham Adlington, Kymber, Piper, Sawyer and Blaire Frazier, Karlee and Karson Price, Addilynn Rick, Linkoln Vansky, Zara Holcomb, and Baby Stofcheck on the way. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Friday June 5, 2026 at 11:00am at the LaRue Baptist Church, Pastor Tim Pasma will officiate. Burial will follow in the LaRue Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue. Memorial Contributions may be made to the LaRue Baptist Church P.O. Box 374, La Rue, OH 43332 and/or Compassus Hospice 1713 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd Suite 107, Marion, OH 43302 Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to LaRue Cemetery Directions to LaRue Baptist Church  (website) Directions to Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Barbara Stofcheck   Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 7:03 AM So sorry to hear the sad news . He will be missed . We know the family will have many memories to share and hold. #2 from: Barb Holcomb Daily LaRue Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 9:32 AM So sad to hear of Bills passing. He was a great man. He was one of the good guys. He will be missed. #3 from: Jeff Hicks Houston, mississippi Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 9:45 AM Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Always enjoyed talking and learning from him. He always had time for the younger kids and would help them. He will be missed and LaRue has lost another part of their history #4 from: Amy Knickel Bellefontaine, Ohio Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 7:15 PM Sandy, dad (Paul Buyer) wanted me to extend his deepest condolences for your loss.  Prayers for all. #5 from: Wendy Butz North Canton, Ohio Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 9:06 PM Deepest sympathies! So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Much love is being sent through my prayers to each of your family members, Love, Wendy Butz #6 from: Jeanie and Lauren Park  LaRue, Ohio Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 9:23 PM Sandy and family, We are so very sorry for your loss ! Bill was a wonderful man! Your family was blessed to have him! The  loss on earth is heavens gain! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate the days ahead. #7 from: William Ballinger Graeagle CA Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 10:59 PM I'm very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My short time with Bill was very memorable as we always enjoyed seeing one another in later years. We got to know each other through camping with the Boy Scouts and we really connected. I was 15 or 16 and he treated and talked to me as if I were a grown man. I remember his laugh. He was a wonderful role model. I hope you're doing ok Sandy. It appears you had a wonderful life together and I would have expected nothing less. I miss seeing you at the bank. ❤️ #8 from: Janie Lamb Mahaffey Marion Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 8:18 AM So sorry to hear this, prayers for the family #9 from: Laura Vanfossen Richwood Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 8:28 AM We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Gamble children #10 from: Cindy Sparling. Texas Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 10:06 AM Sandy, sending my deepest sympathy. #11 from: Jack & Laura Williams Coupeville, WA Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 1:52 PM Dear Sandy & Family - Jack and I send you our deepest sympathy with Bill's passing.  We really enjoyed our time spent at dinner with you and the Uhls - the memories are priceless.  Bills battle has passed and the pain's gone so we hope you find comfort in that.  God bless.....  Jack & Laura #12 from: Connie & Steve Kendall   Wed, Jun 3, 2026 at 11:43 AM We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. #13 from: William Alley LaRue Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM I am sorry for The Family's loss. Bill was a great customer and a all around good Guy. The community will not be the same with out Him! #14 from: Paula Roller   Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 8:46 PM Very sorry for your loss. #15 from: Jennifer Knapp Conroy LaRue Sat, Jun 6, 2026 at 10:55 AM So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It brings us all back to our youth and just how things used to be. Those days were pretty awesome. Your family is being thought of and we send most positive vibes your way as you struggle through this tough time. Bill was a gem. #16 from: Linda Clingenpeel Lewis Center Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 9:11 AM Sandy and Family, so sorry to hear of Bill‘s passing. you have our deepest sympathy.. Hugs and prayers Linda Clingenpeel and David Palmer #17 from: Loren and Dorothy   Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 6:09 PM So sorry Sandy #18 from: Mary Spit?er Frank La Rue Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 9:26 AM I'm feel for u Sandy I just found out about Bill. U two were the best couple #19 from: Joseph Derringer Arizona Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:15 AM Sorry for your loss.

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