William H. Forker Sr.

William H. Forker Sr., 83, of Zanesville, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Genesis Hospice-Morrison House surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 4, 1926, in Zanesville, a son of the late James Forker and Frances Little Forker Smith. He retired after 32 years of service for General Electric. He graduated from Lash High School Class of 1944, then he entered the United States Army serving in World War II as a Staff Sergeant of the 30th Infantry. He was a Past Master and 32 Mason of Lafayette Lodge #79 F&AM and a past member of the Master's Association and Scottish Rite. Bill had the privilege of serving as Monarch of Amrou Grotto in 1977. He was an avid golfer and bowler and a member of the Zanesville Bowling Association. He, along with his wife, Peggy, won the Sertoma to Mankind Award. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Peggy Marsh Forker, whom he married May 26, 1944, of the home; two sons, William (Sandy) Forker and Thomas (Brenda) Forker, both of Zanesville; a daughter, Fran (Arthur) Riley of Zanesville; 7 grandchildren, Jim Riley, Tim (LeeAnn) Riley, Wendy (Bryan) Mettler, Chad (Tara) Forker, Kelly Forker, Scott (Tina) Forker and Karri (Jesse) Wisecarver; 18 great grandchildren; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and a family friend, Elaine Klinehoffer of Zanesville. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville. Masonic services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, followed by Amrou Grotto services. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. with Chaplain Tim Patton officiating. A private burial will take place at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors being provided by the United States Army with the assistance of VFW George Selsam Post #1058. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Bill to the Amrou Grotto Past Monarchs, c/o Paul Kussmaul, 478 East Lawndale Place, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701.