William Van Auken, Jr., 70
William Lansing Van Auken Jr, “Bill”, born May 2, 1955, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2025.
Preceded in death by parents, Dr. William Lansing Van Auken, M. Div. and Rev. Jane Victoria McIntosh Van Auken. Bill is survived by his wife, Sandra Van Auken; daughters Abigail Van Auken (Kyle), Susannah Lich (Paul), Lizabeth Moore; grandchildren Leah, Ryker, Griffin, and Kendra, Bria, Anthony; sisters Sarah Shaw (Tim), Ruth Van Auken Douglass, and Mary Ann Barker (Steven).
The world lost some of its color when it lost Bill Van Auken Jr. For 70 years, he shared his many hues with acquaintances, friends, and family. Though his body presented many challenges, he kept his radiance by adapting his world to his needs. Forever the handyman, Bill enjoyed bird hunting, cooking, and was an avid golfer. There were no strangers. Bill extended his rainbow to everyone. He would give you the shirt off his back… in exchange for yours. Bill, raised by Presbyterian Ministers, was spiritual and inclusive of all faiths. Before dinner, Bill and his family would ring a Buddhist gong, inviting all divine beings together, followed by silent prayer.
Quick with a pun, Bill brought laughs and occasionally moans with his sometimes off-color but charming jokes. Gifted in the art of storytelling, he was known to throw in the occasional embellishment. His many shades are carried on by his children and grandchildren, whom he cherished. He reveled in their accomplishments and pushed them harder to reach their potential. He was always reminding each of them how special he or she was. Bill loved the game of rugby. While obtaining his bachelor’s in education at Hiram College, Bill played all four years, quickly assuming a leadership role. He helped to recruit new players, many of whom had never heard of the game, and would organize practices. After college, he went on to play for the Akron Rugby Club as a flanker and center back, earning the nickname “Masher”. The Akron team played in many tournaments across the United States and Canada, even doing a tour to New Zealand in 1998. Bill and the Akron team enjoyed successes, winning both the Ohio and Mid-West championships.
After earning his MA in special education from the University of Akron, Bill went on to teach for more than 30 years in Norton City Schools. He loved his students and enjoyed pranking his fellow educators. He often spoke fondly of his time at the middle school where he led a special education classroom, coached wrestling, and acted as dean of students before retiring. Bill grew up in the small West Texas town of Fort Davis. Sleeping Lion Mountain was his backyard and his love for those mountains never faded. Bill looked forward to the annual Bloys Camp Meeting in Fort Davis, where he and extended family gathered for fellowship. Bill adored his wife, Sandy. Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this past June, Sandy and Bill travelled often and had plans to visit the Grand Canyon. Since retiring, Bill and Sandy had become regulars at the local restaurants in Portage Lakes and enjoyed many a night at the Lafayette Hotel and Jean Bonnet Tavern.
Funeral services will be held at Schermesser Eberhardt Funeral Home, 600 E Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, OH 44319. Calling hours are Monday, August 25th, from 5-7 PM and Tuesday, August 26th, from 10-11 AM. Funeral service is Tuesday at 11 AM, with a Celebration of Life at 5 PM at the Akron Rugby Club, 1763 Wadsworth Rd, Akron, OH 44320. Donations can be made to the Akron Rugby Club.
