William "Bill" Howorth passed on October 8, 2025 at the age of 84. He was born on August 5, 1941 and grew up in Walbridge, Ohio with his parents, William and Gladys (Baker) Howorth, and sister, Mary. Bill was a quiet and unassuming man who served valiantly at la Drang Valley, Vietnam earning a Bronze Star with Valor for saving the lives of fellow soldiers and persevering in severe combat. The Mel Gibson movie "We Were Soldiers" is about the la Drang battle. My uncle recently told us he was one of the last soldiers airlifted out and considered himself very lucky to have made it home.

Bill, like his sister, Mary, often read books and enjoyed playing chess. His favorite hobby was photography and he would venture out to local State Parks and the Toledo Zoo to take pictures. In fact, he was a Zoo Pal for many years. He always put others before himself and donated to many charitable causes throughout the years.

Uncle Bill left a lasting impression on everyone in the family by being kind, caring and thoughtful. Having no children of his own, Bill spoiled his nieces and nephew with trips to Cedar Point every year and amazingly perfect gifts for birthdays and Christmas. He also enjoyed taking family to the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Repertoire Theatre and Oregon Community Theatre. He was also a long-time fan of the Cleveland Guardians/Indians!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gladys Howorth, infant sister, Rebecka, sister, Mary Myers, brother-in-law, Jack Myers, and niece, Kerry. He will be remembered fondly by his niece, Amy (Randy) Schwartz, and nephew, Don Myers, and great nephews, Carl Schwartz, Chris (Lisa) Schwartz, Andy (Abby) Schwartz, and great niece, Amanda (Jesse) Gase.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and aids at St. Vincent's Hospital, Heartland Hospice, and Northwest Ohio Hospice for their caring of Bill during his final days. Also, thank you to Jody, a VA Volunteer, for the pinning ceremony and time she spent with Bill at the end.   Memorials may be given to the Toledo Zoo or charity of the donor's choice. www.egglestonmeinert.com

The family is having a private celebration of Bill's life in the near future.