In Memoriam: Honoring Enduring Legacies
Ohio Wesleyan pays tribute to three distinguished Life Trustees who passed away in 2024-2025: Bill Blaine, Lloyd Ferguson, and Bob Gillespie were men of great character who each left an indelible legacy of leadership at OWU. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment to the Rev. Adam Poe's vision of a university of "the highest order."
William E. Blaine, Jr., '89 HON
Bill passed away on July 14, 2025. He served on the OWU Board of Trustees as a West Ohio Conference Trustee, a United Methodist Trustee, an At-Large Trustee, and a Life Trustee.
An honorary OWU alumnus, Bill and his beloved wife, JoAnn Merkle Blaine, were loyal supporters of the Ohio Wesleyan Fund, a Science Initiative in 2004, and the Richard M. Ross Art Museum; gave a transformative gift to the Campaign for Ohio Wesleyan; and became members of the Associate Founders' Circle.
Leadership and service were hallmarks of Bill's life. He loved flying and served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, where he piloted the amphibious plane PBY during World War II and the Korean War. Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College, Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration degrees from The Ohio State University, and Ph.D. from Century University to practice law. He served as owner and CEO of one of the largest lumber and building material companies in the Midwest, and he served as a lecturer at Ohio State and Muskingum universities.
Bill's soulmate of 71 years, JoAnn, preceded him in death. He is survived by his son Michael, daughter Cathy Egner, son Judson (Monica); grandchildren, Ryan (Zhouie) Emerson, Myles Egner, Anna Egner (John Crisan), Max Blaine, Bridget Blaine, Jillian Beers (Zach), Chelsea Kuck (David), Tyler Blaine (Alexandria); greatgrandchildren, Bear and Joanna Emerson, Elly Lehman, Duke, Lo, Romy and Rafe Blaine.
Lloyd Ferguson '62
Lloyd passed away on August 26, 2024. He is a cherished Bishop whose legacy will forever be woven into the OWU fabric as a Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brother. We remember Lloyd for telling good jokes exceptionally well.
Lloyd was a treasured volunteer; an emeritus member of the Advisory Board for The Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship; and an At- Large Trustee and Life Trustee of the OWU Board of Trustees. He received an Alumni Award in 2017, recognizing his exemplary service to OWU.
Lloyd and his wife, Martha Kemper, generously supported Ohio Wesleyan as members of the Tower Society, Founders' Circle, and President's Circle, providing significant investments in The Woltemade Center, scholarships, athletics, capital projects, the Richard Ross M. Art Museum, and many other initiatives. Gordon Field House recently underwent extensive renovations thanks to the generosity of Lloyd, Martha, their son William '92, their daughter Diane, and other members of the Ferguson family.
Lloyd was known for his leadership in business and leaves an impressive legacy in the packaging and communications industry. Lloyd is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Martha; loving children, Bill and Diane; beloved grandchildren, Michael and Charlotte; and his brother, Jack, and his wife, Sue. Lloyd is part of an OWU legacy that includes son, William K. Ferguson '92; nephews, John K. Cannon Jr. '86, and G.K. Sehringer IV, Class of 2008; and his mother-in-law, Helen W. Kemper '86.
Robert Gillespie '66
Bob passed away on April 21, 2025. One of Ohio Wesleyan's most loyal alumni, Bob leaves a lasting legacy as an economics student, an Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity brother and president, a member and committee chair of the Board of Trustees, chair of the Campaign for Ohio Wesleyan, a member of Founders' Circle and Tower Society, an inductee into the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges' Hall of Excellence, an Alumni Award recipient, an Adam Poe Medal recipient, and a Life Trustee.
Bob and his wife of 58 years, Ann Wible Gillespie '67, supported their alma mater with philanthropy that has provided scholarships for deserving students; supported The Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship; helped to renovate Stuyvesant Hall, The House of Black Culture, and the Alpha Sigma Phi and Phi Delta Theta houses; built The Gillespie Honors House; and provided significant funding to restore Slocum Hall, including the creation of the Gillespie Honors Lounge.
Bob used his OWU economics degree, Case Western Reserve University MBA, and his training in the Harvard University Advanced Management Program to leave a towering legacy in the banking world. Bob often said his "greatest fortune came not from his career, but from meeting Ann at Ohio Wesleyan University." He is survived by Ann and their family, of whom he was ever-proud, daughters Laura and Gwen; sonin- laws Mike and Josh; and grandchildren, Spencer, Ella, Jack, Mira, Zoe, and Max.