William S. Metcalf

(Albion) - William S. Metcalf, age 92, of Gaines Road, died May 26, 2009 at Lakeside Hospital, following a long illness. He was born June 21, 1916 in Elyria, OH to Dr. Henry and Mary (Tims) Metcalf.Mr. Metcalf was a United States Army Veteran of WWI, having served in Hawaii and North Africa with the 30th Engineers. While attending Ohio State University, he participated in Track and Field as a pole vaulter and a 440 yard dash runner, and was a team-mate of Jesse Owens. Bill earned his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan in Forest Botany. He was employed as a Camp Forester in a CCC Camp in Appalachia and also worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Beltsville, MD.Mr. Metcalf worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service, first in Chautauqua County and then in Orleans County, as the District Conservationist for 35 years. Bill was a member of the Sheret Post American Legion, the Albion 1st United Methodist Church and a past Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troup 48 for 35 years. As one of Albion's most loyal high school sports fans, he attended hundreds of sporting events and was given a lifetime pass to attend all events in the future. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernadine Loretta Metcalf, whom he married in 1941; his brother, Richard Metcalf; and a daughter, Sharon Johnson.He is survived by his sons, Stanley (Deborah) Metcalf of Illinois, Michael (Kay) Metcalf of Albion; his daughter, Marilee Rose of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Lynn, Benjamin and Anna Metcalf, Karl Schildbach, Eric Schildbach, David Johnson; four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Avenue, Albion, SATURDAY 1-3 PM, where a funeral service will be held at 3:00 following visitation. Interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Albion 1st United Methodist Church or the Iroquois Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Visit www.christophermitchell.com to sign an online guest book.