William Jay (Bill) Flaker, age 87, was embraced into heavenly love as the angels wept with his family on the day of his merciful passing, September 11, 2012.
The day of his birth, February 18, 1925, was just as beautiful as he was born at home on the farm in Oak Hill to the late Ruth Livesay Flaker and William Lowel Flaker. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clinton and Clara Jane Jenkins Levisay and his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Margaret Lenhart Flaker. He is survived by his wife, Sue (Jones) Flaker of Oak Hill; his children, Annette Circle of Circleville, Dennis (Deena) Circle of Oak Hill, Denise Circle of Oak Hill and Jenifer (Duane) Circle-Potter of Chillicothe and one grandchild, Jeremy Circle of Gallipolis.
Bill willingly and without hesitation assumed the role of father and grandfather on the day he married the love of his life, Sue, in Greenup, Kentucky on February 4, 1989. Their 24-year journey of love was filled with family, laughter and lots of sweet food — he loved his sweets.
Farming was not only a way of life for Bill, it was embedded in his career. As a young man, Bill collected milk from local farmers and delivered it for sale and transport. As a second career, he also worked with nature as an employee with ODNR of Mines and Reclamation.
No matter where life took him, Bill never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and he would have them laughing and hugging by the time he left. A big part of Bill’s life was the period when he and his wife were members of the Wagon Wheelers in Jackson. The two of them would kick up their heels every week as they do-si-do’d across the floor in their matching hand-made square dancing outfits. In his spare time, Bill loved to attend auctions. The first item on his agenda at any auction was to eat. Second, he followed the auctioneer until the end. Finally, he would yell out his $1.00 bid and come walking back proudly to his wife with a big grin on his face and his 1980s typewriter.
Bill was a proud, lifelong Democrat. He was a straight-ticket voter and never missed an election. He loved working on his tractor, he loved his dogs and his cows, Easter and Lilly, and he loved sitting outside in the sun. He loved to eat sweets, lots of sweets, especially made by his wife. He loved to take long car rides as he sang his favorite song; “Dah de dee, dah de dah.” He loved and was very proud of his children and grandchild. And most of all, he loved his wife, Sue. His life revolved around her and his life here on Earth came to a peaceful end with her by his side whispering, “I love you, Bill, I will be OK.” We all love you, Bill. Be at peace until we meet again.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson with Rev. Larry Boggs officiating and burial to follow in St. John Cemetery, Oak Hill. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2012 at the funeral home. Online condolences to www.e-k-lewisfuneral.com