Wilmer "Bill" Leslie Youmans

Wilmer (Bill) Leslie Youmans, 96, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025.

Bill was a kind, gentle, and remarkably intelligent man whose quiet strength shaped the lives around him. An engineer by profession and by nature, he found joy in planning, designing, and building, whether it was a new project at home or a creative solution to a problem no one else could crack. He had a natural gift for art and a deep love of music, especially the piano, and was avid bridge player who enjoyed the strategy, focus, and friendship the game brought him. 

A 1954 graduate of Lehigh University with a B.S. in Business, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served honorably. After his honorable discharge, he was hired by Western Electric and sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he trained on the MIT XDI computer system as part of the Air Force’s new computerized air defense program. He then spent six years traveling across the country performing subsystem and system tests on direction centers, combat centers, and radar installations.

When Western Electric’s contract concluded, Bill moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked with Bell Labs writing installation instructions for long-distance telephone communication systems. During this time, he also passed the exam for his Professional Engineering License in Industrial Engineering.

Bill later joined the Air Force Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center in Heath, Ohio, where he worked as an Industrial Engineer and supported programs for the F-111 fighter plane, the 688-attack submarine, and various missile and repair systems. His work earned him a commendation from the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for a cost-saving improvement valued at $3.7 million.

Upon his retirement, Bill received a plaque recognizing his distinguished service at the Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center at Newark Air Force Base, where he served from September 26, 1976, until March 31, 1993.

More than his accomplishments, Bill will be remembered as a devoted provider, patient, thoughtful, curious, and kind. He approached life with integrity and purpose, and the people who knew him will carry his influence with them always.

A graveside service for Bill will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:00am at Holy Cross Cemetery, 11539 National Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother and father Wilson III, and Mae Youmans; brother, Wison Youmans IV and step-son, Christopher Jones. Remembered by wife, Karen Youmans; daughters, Julie (Stephen) Lennon, Lisa (Richard) Chubb; son,  Scott Youmans; step-son,  Matthew (Stephanie) Jones; grandchildren, Carlie Chubb, Katelyn (Ches) Whitesides, Joshua (Sara) Chubb, Ian Lennon,  Dillon Jones and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147.

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