William H. Iams

94 years young, passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.   He was born Jan. 23, 1927 in Canton, a son of the late Jesse and Frances (Yoder) Iams, and was a life resident.  Bill left high school at the age of eighteen to join the U. S. Navy from 1945-47, and then returned to McKinley for two years, graduating in 1947.  He was a 1952 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music.  He was the first band director at Perry Local Schools, retiring after thirty years as band director at the high school, middle and elementary schools.  Bill was responsible for initiating  the SCRIPT OHIO as seen as performed by the band at The Ohio State University and many high schools.  He was first chair flautist in the Canton Symphony for 15 years and also played in the American Legion Band.  He taught private flute lessons from 1952-2009.  Bill was a member of First Christian Church, the Masonic Lodge and Nazir Grotto.  His love of music, playing his flute, teaching music, and love for his family was his life.  Everyone loved his sense of humor and his story telling.  Bill is now at peace with his wife and family, and will be greatly missed.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nadine (Foehrenbach) Iams, on Feb. 22, 2007, and five brothers, Glen, Woodrow, Harley, Victor, and Norman.  He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Fowler, three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, Chad (fiancée Jennifer Robinson) Haren, and children, Brianne, Bryce, Arya, Derek, and Haylee, Troy (Carolyn) Haren and children, Tyler, Natalie, Ian, and Jordan, Dacota Fowler and his son, Dacota, Jr., and his twin brother, Robert (Dorothy) Iams.  Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home.  Friends may call Wed. 6-8 p.m.  Social distancing and facial covering will be required.  Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery following cremation.  Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 456-4766