Louis W. "Bill" Kohler

Louis W. "Bill" Kohler, 74, of 11835 Orchard Lane, Waynesboro, died at 12:07 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, in his home following a battle with leukemia.

Born October 1, 1933 in Allentown, he was the son of the late Henry A. and Sarah L. "Sally" (Rose) Kohler. He and his family moved to the Waynesboro area in 1937.

Mr. Kohler was a graduate of Waynesboro High School with the Class of 1951. He later received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Social Studies from Shippensburg State College in 1961 and his Master's Degree in Education in 1969.

He served in the United States Army Signal Corps from Oct. 3, 1956 until Aug. 28, 1958.

He and his wife of 47 years, Mrs. A. Marie "Dolly" (Knepper) Kohler, were married June 24, 1960 in Waynesboro. They moved to their present residence in 1999.

Mr. Kohler began his working career as a paperboy for the Washington Times Herald from 1946 to 1950. He later was employed as a clerk for Ervin's Stationary, Waynesboro, from 1950 to 1951 and at Linde's Sunoco in Baltimore, MD from 1951 to 1952. From 1952 to 1955, he took his trade at Landis Tool Company, Waynesboro. He began his teaching career in Social Studies in the Chambersburg Area School District from 1961 to 1966 and later at Waynesboro Area Senior High School from 1966 until his retirement in 1993. He also was employed part time at the front desk for Waynesboro YMCA from 1962 to 1965 and worked as a painting contractor in the local area for many years. He was last employed part time for Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro.

Mr. Kohler coached Waynesboro Area Little League teams, served as basketball coach for both Waynesboro Area Senior High School and East Junior High School, also of Waynesboro. He also was the voice of the Waynesboro Indians football team for over 30 years.

He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Waynesboro, where he served as Sunday School teacher and was a member of Crider Men's Sunday School Class.

Mr. Kohler also was a member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 15 and Eagles Club, Inc, both of Waynesboro. He was a member of Pennsylvania State Education Association, National Education Association and served as President of Waynesboro Area Education Association. He served on the Board of Directors for Franklin County Teachers Credit Union for a number of years and on Waynesboro Area Human Services Council for 11 years. He also was a member of national AARP

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Warner of Waynesboro; three sons, William K. Kohler, James A. Kohler and Bradley A. Kohler, all of Waynesboro; six grandchildren; one step-grandson; one brother, Allison B. "Allie" Kohler of Waynesboro; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joanna Kohler in 1935; a stepgrandson, Kevin Bumbaugh; and a son-in-law, John William "Bill" Fridinger.

Services were held the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 12 in Faith United Methodist Church, Waynesboro, with the Revs. Mark Shover and John L. Rauch officiating.

Burial followed in Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro.

Arrangements were handled by Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 104 North Potomac Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268 or to Paving the Way Fund, Waynesboro Senior High School, attn. Athletic Department, 550 East 2nd St., Waynesboro, PA 17268.