He attended The First Presbyterian Church in Gallipolis, Ohio and Stuart Congregational Church in Florida.
After attending Rio Grande College for three years, he graduated with a BS in Education from The University of Dayton and an MS Degree from Purdue University. He was a football coach for 23 years and retired from teaching after 34 years. He was inducted into the Rio Grande College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975, the Ohio High School Football Coach’s Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Covington High School Hall of Fame in 2001. He was featured in November 1962 issue of LIFE Magazine “Rocky Cradle of Football” while coaching at Martins Ferry, Ohio.
He was a member of NEA (retired) , OEA (retired ) and a 50 plus year member of F&AM Lodge #7 in Gallipolis, Ohio, BPOElks Lodge, Gallipolis, Ohio
After retirement he moved to Stuart, Florida with his wife to be near his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mildred Wion.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leah Thompson Wion, a daughter Kristal Eckhart (Peter), a grandchild, Kathryn Leah Eckhardt, two foster grandchildren. Carrie Smith and Jim Doty, two step grandsons Josh and Aaron Eckhardt, a step sister, Gladys Spangler and a half sister Janice Rush Hoffman.
A memorial Service will be held in Ohio at a later date determined by the family.
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