William Emmett Challis, USMC MSGT (R)

William Emmett Challis, 83, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home. He was the son of the late William and Margaret (Lawrence) Challis and was born February 28, 1942, in New Castle.

He is survived by his second wife, Mary J. Challis, of Ellwood City, his children; Jacquelyn Carol Kunzler and her husband Charles of Ashtabula, OH, William E. Challis, Jr of Frisco, Kristina L. Maietta and her husband Travis of  Ellwood City, Daniel Paul Challis of Pittsburgh, as well as 15 grandchildren,16 great grandchildren, his sister; Jane Gongaware and her husband Dick of Ellwood City, his step-children; John T. Hall and his wife Jodi of Ellwood City, Lori L. Anderson and her husband Doug of Ellwood City, David J. Hall and his wife Robyn of Renfrew as well as his nieces and nephews.

Bill was raised in Fombell and was a 1960 graduate of Lincoln High School he received an associates degree in Education from Memphis State University. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and received his Recruit Training at MCRD Parris Island. He served 3 tours in Vietnam and was a fix winged aircraft mechanic, specifically on the A4’s and F4’s. During the last half of his time in the Marine Corps he was an instructor at A School, at Naval Air Station Millington. This was what Bill was most proud of, having the opportunity to train US Navy Sailors and US Marine Soldiers. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant, after 20 years of service, in 1980. He was an avid golfer and was a spelunker and enjoyed traveling. He was also an avid football fan. After his retirement he relocated to Clearwater, FL and was employed by Leeds & Northrup and Timeplex, in Tampa, FL. He moved back to Ellwood City in 1997. He met and married his second wife, Mary J. Hall in August 2011. They were longtime members of the First Church of God in Ellwood City where he served on the church board as Property and Finance Director. Bill was truly a family man and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud US Marine. Semper Fi and Oorah!

He was preceded in death by his brother; Michael Challis and the mother of his children; Carol Challis.

Friends may call on the family on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 2pm-4pm at the First Church of God on Mercer Road in Ellwood City with Military Honors and a Memorial  Service beginning at 4:00PM, with Pastor John David and Pastor Phil Conklin, officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.