William Lukens

Lukens, William Edward "Bill"

William Edward "Bill" Lukens, of Troy, passed away Thursday, December 12, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, community service, and cherished memories. Bill, a resident of Miami County since 1950, was the son of the late Charles and Charlotte Lukens and a devoted husband to Wanda Crosby Lukens, whom he married on November 2, 1974. Bill's family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his daughters Melinda Warner (Todd), Melissa Lukens, and Meredith Campbell (Sean), his son Michael Poore (Janine), nine beloved grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Catherine Melvin (Chuck) and Russell Lukens (Marilyn). He was preceded in death by his son Steven Poore and his brother Edwin Lukens (Kathy).

An accomplished scholar, Bill graduated from Milton-Union High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Industrial Management, from Miami University in 1964. He furthered his education with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce CEO Development Program in 1985.

Bill's professional life was marked by his role as Chair, CEO, and Co-owner of Stillwater Technologies, Inc., in Troy, Ohio, until the company was sold in 2016. His dedication to his community was equally profound, serving on numerous boards and committees including the Dayton Art Institute, the Community Improvement Corporation of Troy, the Area Seven Workforce Investment Board, the Governor's Manufacturing Workforce Advisory Board, and the Premier Health Board, among others.

In recognition of his service, Bill received several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award (1972), Community Service Award (1973), and the Distinguished Citizen Award (1996) from Troy. He was also named Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing by Dayton in 1998 and, alongside his wife Wanda, Philanthropist of the Year in Dayton in 2023. Bill was inducted into the Troy Hall of Fame in 2015.

Bill's personal passions included sports cars, model trains, and fly fishing. He was an aficionado of Jaguars, Panteras, Corvettes, Austin Healys, and numerous Porsches and Mercedes. His Marklin model train setup and his love for the art of fly fishing took him on adventures around the world, from Ireland to New Zealand, Australia to Montana, Wyoming, Vermont, and many other places in the USA.

Bill will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his gift for storytelling, and his enduring contributions to his community. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM with a time of sharing by family and friends from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Troy Foundation, Dayton Art Institute or UVMC Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com