William (Bill) Emerson Gamble, 82, Willshire, was called home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2014, at 5:58 a.m. at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.

He was born Feb. 7, 1932, in Van Wert County, to Neil E. and Ruth (Michael) Gamble.

On June 9, 1951, he married Margaret (Craine) Gamble, who survives.

Other survivors include five children, Ray Gamble, Ohio City, Steve (Kathy) Gamble, Rockford, John (Rickie) Gamble, Rockford, Dean (Angie) Gamble, Willshire, and Joy (John) Koch, Huntington, Ind.; a sister, Alice (Jack) Clark, Erie, Col.; seven grandchildren, Michael Gamble, Trent (Betsey) Gamble, Troy Gamble, Amanda (Seth) Kohnen, Ashley Gamble, Kayla Koch and Karmen Koch; three great-grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Trey Koch; a niece, Suzanne Clark; and a nephew, Bill Clark.

He was a graduate of the 1950 class at Hoaglin Jackson High School and was president of the FFA chapter. He was a life-long farmer, a seed corn salesman and also worked for Ralph Rager Home Improvement. He was an avid collector of Oliver tractors and was a charter member of the Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors Association and former author of "Chat with the Chaplain" column. He was a member and former president of the Old Fashioned Farmers Association and The Oliver Gang. He attended Pleasant Mills Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School superintendent and teacher.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, with the Revs. Ron Ramsey and Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and one hour preceding the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the Center for Neurological Development, Burkettsville, or Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.