Bill Bohart

William Harry “Bill” Bohart, 83, of Florence, formerly of Hebron, died Monday, March 7, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood.

Born May 6, 1927 to Harry H. and Marie C. Brofft Bohart in Cleves, Ohio, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force at age 17 but had to wait until his 18th birthday to enter into service. He served in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. He was stationed at Tempelhof Airport where he was in charge of the machine shop that maintained ground equipment.

Bill owned and operated Bohart Cycle Sales and Service of Hebron. In addition, he was also employed as a certified master mechanic at the VA Hospital on Vine Street in Cincinnati. Additional employers include Red Top Brewery, Wiedemanns Brewery, Hudepohl Brewery, and the R.O. Hahn Aircraft Refueling Company at the Greater Cincinnati International Airport.

During the mid 1950’s and 1960’s, Bill raced a hydroplane, winning many trophies and awards. He was the Commander of the Northern Kentucky Boat Club and worked very hard at organizing boat races on the Ohio River. At the same time, he was building, maintaining, and driving his own boats, Sambo, Billbo, and Mombo.

Bill was a member of Hebron Lutheran Church and a volunteer with the Hebron Fire Department. He was also a 50 year member of the Hebron Masonic Lodge #757, the NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), and was a Kentucky Colonel.

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Dona J. Gustin Bohart; son, Bill Bohart of Owenton; daughters, Carol (Tony) Holt of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Peggy (Don) Eilers of Florence; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cincinnati District Office-3721, 1080 Nimitzview Drive #208, Cincinnati OH 45230.