Obituary

William L. Evans passed away February 5, 2025. He was born June 8, 1934, in Massillon, Ohio to his parents, William C. and Helen Evans. He grew up in Navarre, Ohio, graduating Valedictorian from Navarre High School. He graduated Cum Laude from Otterbein College (now University) in 1956 where he met his wife, Sonya. They were married in 1955.

Upon graduation, he accepted a position with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he completed 3 patent application in refrigeration airflow, then transferred to the Aerospace division where he built and managed the computer facilities. In 1963, he began his long, distinguished career with Battelle Memorial Institute where he led the development of scientific computing for the Korean Institute of Science and Technology. During the next three decades, his work at Battelle took him to Europe, Asia and the Middle East where he worked with underdeveloped countries on both infrastructure and technical needs related to computing. In 1973-74, he took a short leave of absence from Battelle to accept a post as visiting professor at the University of London with responsibility to improve their operational access to the supercomputing complex. Upon returning to the Columbus lab, he persuaded Battelle to develop a computing network for colleges and universities, one of the earliest such networks ever developed. Otterbein was one of the charter members. During the last 15 years of his career with Battelle, Bill served on the corporate staff as Director of Information Systems with responsibility for establishing and operating Battelle’s worldwide information and telecommunication system. During this time, he also served as President of VIM, a worldwide organization of super-computer users.

Bill retired from Battelle in 1995 and became active in volunteer work, primarily serving underprivileged adults, as Volunteer Guardian for folks in nursing homes who had no family, and in leadership roles for AARP Tax-Aide. In addition, he and Sonya enjoyed world-wide travel to nearly 100 countries and all 7 continents. Bill received Otterbein’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Westerville Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, and was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizen’s Hall of Fame. He faithfully served for 25+ years on the Otterbein Board of Trustees and in 2012, was recognized with The Earl F. Morris Trustee of the Year Award by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Bill is survived by his wife Sonya; his son Michael (Tara) Evans and daughter Dr. Cindy Evans; grandchildren Andy (Sylvia) Evans, Kimmie (Blake) Barnhart, Sam Evans, and Josh (Julie) Roseler; as well as 3 great grandchildren William Evans, Weston Evans and Will Barnhart.

Family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Schoedinger Funeral Service-Worthington, 6699 N. High St., Worthington, as well as from 2pm to 3pm on Friday, February 14, 2025, prior to a 3pm funeral service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to Friendship Village Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43017, Attn: Philanthropy or at https://www.fvdublin.org/donate-now/ or to Otterbein University’s Class of 1956 Scholarship by mail to Otterbein University, Institutional Advancement, 1 S. Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081, noting the fund name in the memo line or by going to www.otterbein.edu/give and typing “Class of 1956 Scholarship” under the “other” designation for your contribution.