William "Bill" McNutt

William McNutt Obituary

McNutt William "Bill" McNutt, of Worthington, Ohio, age 88, passed away March 12, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lorraine; and children, Carol (Carl) Krohn, Donald (Heather) McNutt, Laurel (Duane) Allyn; six siblings and one deceased brother. There are seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. McNutt was a World War II veteran, drafted immediately after his graduation from high school; and recipient of the Purple Heart during action in the European Theater. After being discharged he attended and graduated from OSU, then taught Vocational Agriculture prior to his employment by the Ohio Farm Bureau. He retired from the Ohio Farm Bureau in 1990 after 35 years of service as Director of Advisory Councils. Following retirement he was a freelance writer for various agricultural publications, most often in the field of specialty fruit and vegetable production, plus writing occasional commentary for the Suburban News publications. He served on the Worthington Library Board of Trustees for 10 years including a term as President, plus 6 years as a member of the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors. He was on the Board of Columbus Light Opera for 6 years, including a term as President, and was also a member of the Impresarios Board of Opera Columbus. McNutt was a former board member, Executive Committee member and Past President of the Columbus International Program, plus serving several terms as a board member of the Columbus Chamber Music Society; he assisted the preparation of the newsletter for both groups. He was a member of the executive committee and Past President of the Friends of WOSU, and a past member of the Board of Worthington Arts Council. He was a voracious reader of periodicals and books devoted to the more serious side of life. Neither liberal nor conservative, he insisted that life is not all black or white, that there are few "correct" answers, and that the middle ground of compromise is often the best indicator of sanity in a sometimes troubled world. Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Linworth Methodist Church, 7070 Bent Tree Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, with interment in the Columbarium there. The family will greet visitors from 9-10:15 a.m. and after the service. Memorials may be made to WOSU Classical 101, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 or Linworth Methodist Church, 7070 Bent Tree Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43235.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William McNutt

15 Entries

April 14, 2014

Bill was a valued presenter and discussion member at The Griswold Senior Center History Group. He will be missed by many.

Jordy Ventresca

April 4, 2014

Bill McNutt served on the Worthington Library Board during my career as librarian at Worthington. He was also an avid library user of many of our services...especially classical music. Always a delightful conversationalist with staff, he was mindful not to overextend these discussions waving his hand "goodby" as signal that he was preparing to leave so our work could resume. Thanks for your service to our cause and community Mr McNutt.

Christopher Purdy

April 4, 2014

Bill was my first friend in Columbus. He reached out to me over 20 years ago, and I had a friend forever. The community will miss him. Love to Lorraine and family.

Jeff Wyckoff

April 3, 2014

I know Bill because of our mutual friend, Christopher Purdy. There were many wonderful conversations about our many and varied opera experiences. Bill was so very knowledgeable and shared his vast wealth of experience in a kind and friendly way. It was a joy to know him and to talk with him. I shall miss him.

Jennifer Gray

March 31, 2014

My condolences to the family and many friends of Mr. McNutt. I knew him from my work at the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association. He always had a quick smile, a kind manner, and wise words of guidance and encouragement. I will miss him.

Rich Stein

March 29, 2014

I had the pleasure of serving on the WOSU Board and the Worthington Library Board with Bill. A real gentleman and interesting conversationalist. His wit and impressive knowledge on many subjects will be missed. My sympathy to Bill's family. I will keep him in my prayers. Rest in peace Bill.

Dick Long

March 27, 2014

I am so sorry to read of Bill's death. I admired his spirit of volunteering and his courage is supporting causes that interested him, including unpopular issues. We shared a love of operas, among others, and I miss him. Sincere condolences to his family.

Lisa Fuller

March 25, 2014

I worked with Bill for many years during his involvement with Worthington Libraries. He was a strong library advocate and will be missed by all who knew him. My warm condolences to his family and friends. I regret I won't be able to attend his memorial service, but I will be thinking of him.

Francisco Espinoza

March 25, 2014

Bill was a friend and respected for his excellent work and dedication to Ohio agriculture. He is already missed by many.

Stan Ernst

March 24, 2014

I worked with Bill off and on nearly 30 years with various agricultural programs and am better for it. A true gentleman who always added intelligent discourse, along with a smile, to whatever event. Will miss him being around and trying to keep us focused.

David Leppert

March 24, 2014

I've known Bill for many many years at Old Worthington Library. He and my dad, Frank Leppert were old friends--and both attended Linworth. I and my colleagues here shall sorely miss Bill.

Ed King

March 24, 2014

My sincere condolences to Lorraine and Bill's family. Bill and I were friends for over 30 years and served together on the boards of WOSU, Columbus International Program and Chamber Music Columbus. We shared the love of music, opera and Chinese food. He will be very much missed.

miles drake

March 23, 2014

Amy and I are deeply sorry and will miss him greatly. Lorraine and the whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Chadwick

March 23, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the McNutt Family, I got to know Bill through the Columbus International Program. I enjoyed talking to him about a variety of things, including Ohio State University. Bill knew my late Father, Dr. Lewis C. Chadwick who taught Horticulture at Ohio State. Our paths followed many of the same things over the years. Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him.