Bill "Gerold" Massie

Bill "Gerold" Massie, 91, of Lakewood and formerly of Put-in-Bay died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Wade Park V. A. Hospital, Cleveland. He was born Jan. 10, 1922 in Columbus, OH the son of Clarence and Lottie (Debro) Massie. He married Lois J. Dort on April 6, 1949 and she preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 1998. He was a United States Army veteran serving as a radio operator during World War II receiving a good conduct medal, American Theatre Service Medal, European Theatre Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and a Victory Medal. He worked at Oliver Corp. Cleveland where he was a union steward. He then built and operated a successful vacation rental business named East Point Cottages on Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island in the 1950's and moved to the Island in 1962. He worked and lived on Put-in-Bay until retiring at age 85. He spent the last four years in the Westerly Apartments, Lakewood participating in many activities including their band. He was a member of St. Paul Episcopal Church, Put-in-Bay. He served on the Put-in-Bay village council for 27 years, served on the Put-in-Bay School Board and he was a member of the Put-in-Bay American Legion. He ran an ice fishing business for a number of years and he drilled many wells on the island in the 50's and 60's. He also ran Massie and Son Lawn Care and he was well known and appreciated for being a self-taught singer, song writer, and musician since the age of 12. His band was Cowboy Bill and the Texas Drifters. He also enjoyed writing poetry and was a collector of many things. Surviving are his daughters: Linda Stietz of Sandusky; Cheryl Cupach of Cleveland grandsons: David Kesterson, Max Stietz, Stephan Stietz, Paul Cupach, Jr., Curtis Cupach, Derek Cupach; great-grandsons: David Kesterson, Jr., Michal Kesterson, Maxwell Stietz and Adiel Stietz and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lois; son: Curtis W. Massie; siblings: Darlene Burkett, Delores Fisher, Clarence Massie, Faye Massie, Barbara Towers, and baby Rosemarie. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be conducted at 4:00 pm Sunday, May 26, 2013 at St. Paul Episcopal Church, Put-in-Bay with visitation from 3:00 3:45 pm in the church undercroft. Interment services will immediately follow the service in Mapleleaf Cemetery with military honors. Mother Mary L. Staley will be officiating. Friends are invited to gather in the church undercroft following the interment services. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul Episcopal Church or your favorite Island charity. Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton is handling the arrangements. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH US 43452