William "Bill" Eugene Lindauer's Obituary
LINDAUER, William “Bill” Eugene, age 78, of Waynesville, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Dayton VA Hospice.
Bill Lindauer was born and raised in Lytle and lived his whole life in the town he loved, Waynesville. After graduating from Waynesville High School in 1965, he honorably served in the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam as a supply transportation soldier. Upon returning home, he finished a degree from Ohio State University in Turf Management and worked in golf course maintenance as well as soil mapping and crop inspecting for the State of Ohio before he found his real passion for teaching. Bill went on to proudly earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from OSU and carried his passion for learning into the classroom, where he made a lasting impact on generations of students. He dedicated his life to education, retiring in 2009 after 35 years of service. He started his teaching career at Camp Joy and was a pioneer in creating what it is today. He then became a beloved third and fourth grade teacher for 30 years, helping students learn about math, social studies, and science in unique, hands on ways like raising chickens in class, taking nature hikes, and building pioneer and Native American models in class. He finished his last 5 years as Bowman’s gym teacher with Lebanon City Schools. Bill always had a knack for teaching and left a lasting impact on his students, where he was known as their “favorite teacher.” He was inducted into the LCS Hall of Fame after he retired.
If you knew Bill, you knew he had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and working to promote the flourishing of nature, wildlife, and future generations, whether through his volunteer work, Boy Scouts, coaching, or simply spending time outside. He was an involved and engaged member of his community, serving as an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and working extensively with local parks, including the Warren County Friends of the Parks, with special dedication to Hisey Park in Waynesville. He knew the name of every plant in his backyard and was proud to ensure that they were all native. NPR even reported on how intricate his yard was during a Cincinnati native plant tour.
After his family, Bill’s second love of life was golf. He had seven hole-in-ones and was the ten-time Club Champion of Holly Hills Golf Course in Waynesville, which was his favorite to play. He qualified twice out of Ohio for the National U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The Houston championship represented the two loves of his life coming together, where he and his wife, Melinda, honeymooned and she caddied for him until the Houston heat became too unbearable and the pool too enticing. During the summers, Bill worked at Holly Hills to help share the game he loved with his family. He could be found working on his game in the backyard of his home long after Holly Hills closed.
With a kind and caring personality, he was loved by all and would gladly do anything for anyone needing help. Holidays were some of his favorite memories because they meant the family would be together, where he could play Pinochle with his uncles and football with the kids. In addition, fishing and golfing with his buddies. His pride and joy were his beloved wife and children; he cherished every moment spent with them. More than anything, Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, his commitment to others, and the meaningful relationships he built throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Edith Lindauer, and a brother-in-law, David Moore. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Melinda; his son, Matt (Maria) Lindauer; his two daughters, Hannah (Mark) Sove and Hilary (Brian) Miller; his five grandchildren, Audrey Sove, Avery Sove, Riley Sove, Zander Sove, Kennedy Miller, and one more boy on the way; and his three sisters, Phyllis (Denny) Schneider, Rita (Bob) McCulloch, and Rose Moore.
A celebration of life service will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Military honors will be observed in recognition of Bill’s service to his country. Life Celebrant Katie Mackoway will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of the Parks and Caesar Creek Nature Center. Please consider wearing OSU gear or colors to the service! He LOVED to talk about his 7 years at OSU! Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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