William Stewart Kehrer

William, known to all as Bill or Billy (depending on who you were), passed away unexpectedly at the age of 70 on January 27th, 2026. Bill was born on February 16th, 1955, in Lancaster, Ohio to William and Freda (Griffith) Kehrer. He attended school in Lancaster and was a member of Lancaster High School’s graduating Class of 1973. Married to the love of his life for 46 years, Beth. They had three children, Lesa (Sam) Dyer, Todd (Libby) Kehrer, and Laura (Jesse) Miller. As their children grew older, they blessed him with several grandchildren to love endlessly and help keep him on his toes namely, Sammy, Jordan, Austyn, Dylan, Dane, Jacy, Allee, and his faithful recliner companion, Max. Bill was the only son of Freda, who he loved deeply. Bill had three sisters, Kathie Meadows, Diann (John) Engle, and Patty (Steve) Gillespie, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Bill worked for Sears, Ralston, Jack Maxton, and McGraw Oldsmobile, before retiring to the Farm, where he continued to work on all his loyal customers’ vehicles. Always a Ford man, he built both his and Beth’s racecars, which they raced competitively at their home track National Trail Raceway, along with an extensive list of racetracks over the years. Many lifelong relationships were born there.

Bill did not know a stranger. He had the gift to talk to anyone who crossed his path. Countless hours were spent in his shop on Hamburg Rd. where Hamburg Performance was born. He built racecars, friendships and drank plenty of beer in “THE SHOP”. His limitless knowledge of all things Ford will be a loss for many. He was the go-to guy when someone was stumped.

Bill is survived by all persons noted above and is preceded in death by his father, William Lee Kehrer; grandfather, Alva Kehrer; father-in-law, Donald Eugene Miller; mother-in-law, Betty Caroline Miller; and many additional friends and family who had all passed before him.

At his request, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been arranged in the care of Taylor-Theller Funeral & Cremation Service, Amanda.

Bill’s family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Fund and Racers for Christ through teamrfc.org