William “Billy” H. Yarnell, age 76, of Lucas, Ohio, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Kingston of Ashland. He was born July 20, 1949, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late William Leon and Helen Mae (Bonnell) Yarnell.
He was a graduate of Lucas High School where he ran track and played football. He entered the Air Force shortly after graduation. Stationed overseas and was also stationed at Andrews Air Force base at Camp Springs, Maryland, where his daughter was born. A firefighter while he was there and on Presidential stand by for dignitaries and President Nixon. Billy stayed in the service with the Air Force Reserve and Seabees Naval Construction Battalion.
After his many years of service, he held many jobs, as a welder, hauling cattle with his father, and as a lineman for Florida Power and Light. He owned a expediter business until becoming ill in 2025. He enjoyed BBQs and hosting family and friends.
He is survived by his partner, Donna Peterman; children, Carrie (Darrin) Pierce and Matthew Yarnell; grandchildren, Alyssa Hett, and Isabella Hett; sister, Vicki Bilger; niece, Misty Bilger; nephew, Ben (Tanya) Bilger; great-niece, Kailie (Zach) Tuttle; great-nephew, Kyle (Madison) Mellor and Cody (Alyssa) Ward; and numerous family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to visitation which will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Harter Family Funeral Home, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, OH. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home, the funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Billy will be laid to rest at Ashland County Memorial Park.
