William Rowland Alban

ALBAN, William Rowland “Bill”, age 97, of Kettering, OH, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020. Bill was born October 9, 1922 on the family farm in Jackson County, OH to Jenkin and Cora (Evans) Alban.

Bill led a humble and virtuous life—never complaining, always kind, with a wry sense of humor. A proud descendant of Welsh immigrants, he spent most of his life in Delaware County, living in the house he designed and built.

Bill received his BS in mechanical engineering from Ohio State University, working in the Aviation and Transportation Industries as a certified Professional Engineer. He served in the Army in WWII as well as during the Korean War. A student of history, he was fascinated by Native American Artifacts, of which he found many by walking farm fields. Bill was an enthusiastic member of The Archaeological Society of Ohio as well as a member of Berlin Presbyterian Church. Bill took a keen interest in the genealogy of his Welsh heritage, learning all he could about his ancestors from Cardiganshire. He was an inventor, owning US Patent 4,007,634, and an inveterate tinkerer and creator of innovative devices. Bill was skilled at Bridge, and loved to travel in his motor home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Milton Alban, Edith (Alban) Showman, and Everett Alban; and son Gary Alban. Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years Janet (Hinkle) Alban; son Ronald Alban; grandsons Eric and Marc Alban; and great-grandsons Eli and Arthur Alban.

A private graveside service will be held at Africa Cemetery in Delaware County.

In memory of William, contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.