William Orville Deems

William "Bill" Orville Deems, 78, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Born on March 24, 1947, in Procious, West Virginia, Bill was the beloved son of the late James Ford and Dorma (Falls) Deems. One of twelve children, Bill grew up in a lively and hardworking household where he learned early the values of resilience, resourcefulness, and responsibility - qualities that would define his entire life. In 1966, Bill made the move to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he would go on to build a life rooted in love, faith, and family. On December 14, 1968, he married his sweetheart, Crystal Six, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with devotion and enduring love. A man of quiet strength and tireless work ethic, Bill spent many years working at Springwood Products, where he took pride in his craft building pallets. But his true passion was the outdoors. A natural woodsman, Bill found joy and peace walking through the forest, identifying every tree by name, sharing his deep knowledge of the land, and tending to his own garden. He had a gift for transforming simple sticks gathered from his walks into beautifully handcrafted canes, which he generously gifted to family and friends - a true testament to his creativity and giving spirit. Bill loved the simplicity and sustenance of living off the land. Whether hunting, fishing, or just breathing in the fresh woodland air, he was most at home in nature. He leaves behind a legacy not just of hard work, but of love for the natural world, deep commitment to family, and a life lived with quiet dignity. He will be remembered always for his steady hands, kind heart, and the stories he told through wood and wisdom. Mr. Deems is survived by his wife of 56 years, Crystal; children, William Deems, Jr., Laura Deems, and Carolyn Burns; brothers, Charles, Arnold, and James Deems; sisters, Lizzy Henshaw, Emma Jean Deems, Chessie Deems, and twins, Sylvia Deems, and Goldia Runnion; grandsons, Chirstopher and Joshua Deems; and his lifelong friend David Weaver. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Velma Starcher, Ernie Deems, and Alice Deems; and his parents. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 11AM until 1PM at the Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio. He will be laid to rest at Saybrook Cemetery. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Ducro Funeral Services are handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.