Donald "Bill" Eyler
November 30, 1940 ~ January 12, 2019
Donald (Bill) Eyler, Jr. died on January 12, 2019 in Ashland, VA after a great vacation with his family. He was born in Hagerstown, MD on November 30, 1940, to Don and Helen Eyler. He graduated from Bridgewater College in 1962 and continued his studies at WVU where he met his wife of 55 years. Don began his teaching career of over 30 years at South Hagerstown High School. He then continued teaching at Shepherd College and Alderson Broaddus College.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Heather Eyler. Surviving are his wife, Cecile of Philippi, WV, his daughters and spouses Renee and Jack Clark with grandchildren Grace and Adam of Ashland, VA and Michelle and Kevin Watson and granddaughters Alyssa and Abby of Fredrick, MD. Don is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Paula Eyler of Kenora, Canada.
Fishing alone in the beautiful West Virginia backcountry, trips with his fishing “buddies”, along with family camping trips throughout the US and Canada were his fondest memories.
Don was a member of the Philippi Mennonite Church, and his concern for world inequality led him to be involved in mission trips to Central American and Haiti as well as supporting various organizations doing mission work worldwide and locally.
To remember Don, give a loved one a hug and continue to build memories.
A memorial service will be held at Wright Funeral Home, 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Saturday, March 9th, 2019 at 12:30 pm.
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So sorry for this very great loss to your family. Don and Cecily's names came up often in conversations with mom and dad, over the years, so active and passionate about service to Philippi's community and to the wider world. I think of Don's huge smile and also how supportive you both were when my dad was so ill. Thank you again for your kind generosity. Your husband and dad will certainly be missed, even as his beautiful spirit continues on. Blessings and peace, Brenda Kreider Witmer.
I remember Bill (and Cecile) as my “big” cousins. We spent time together at Uncle Olan and Aunt Louise's house on the hill, on the family farm above Proctor Creek. Mom, Dad, Wayne and me would drive from Clarksburg-I thought it was on the other side of the world even though it was a relatively short drive. Miriam and Bruce were there…with Sybil and Eric at least a couple of times. Malcolm and Bonnie were there too with Tammy, April, Hayes and Corky-they were so small. Aunt Louise made the dinner and took us into the henhouse to get eggs. What an adventure it was for me.
I was so young and it was so long ago, but my memory of Bill was in a short sleeved white shirt with a skinny black tie…Bruce wore one too. Soft spoken, patient…that's how I remember Bill. The same way I remember him from Uncle Olan's funeral at Laurel Point Cemetery so many years later. He walked me from the gravesite back to Antioch Church for lunch and showed me where the old sawmill and school stood by the creek. Still patient and soft spoken. I really like those memories.
I last saw Bill and Cecile at Mom's funeral in Jane Lew. That meant a lot to us to have them there to say goodbye to their Aunt Danabelle…my sweet mother.
I say good bye to you from Chicago, Bill. I send my love and condolences to Cecile and family.
A life well lived. Godspeed Bill.
Cousin Brian
Dr. Eyler held good discussions in Sociology Class. Please accept our condolences.
Carl '73 and Cynthia '74 Steenstra
So sad to hear about Dr. Eyler’s passing. He was a wonderful professor. His classes encouraged critical thinking. Active discussions on sociology issues were something to look forward to every day. He and people like him are the reason that small colleges are a great place to learn. Prayers for your family.
I remember Dr. Eyler’s classes as some of my favorites. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
I will always remember Dr Eyler’s unassuming personality and quiet brilliance. He was one of my favorite professors. So sorry for your loss.
We are the persons we are because of the many colleagues and friends who touch, influence and shape our lives. Don's gentle, quiet ways and his passion for peace and righteousness are among his legacies.
As a longtime fishing buddy and member of the AB fishing gang, I have fond and happy memories of Don.
May he rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Dr. Dan Unger
My condolences to the family of Bill Eyler. I only had the blessing of meeting Bill a couple of times and they are very memorable times. He was a kind, soft-spoken man. His wife Cecile is the same. Very kind. Very personable. My heart aches for you all. I will be thinking of you always, but especially March 9, 2019. God Rest Bill. God Bless your family.
Don was my host father for Service Adventure back in 2001. He was so much fun and I will miss him terribly. Love you host dad!! RIP