William Darrin Lapthorn

Bill Lapthorn, age 48, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.  He was born June 18, 1976, in Cincinnati Ohio to William and Gail Lapthorn. Bill proudly grew up riding the streets and neighborhoods of White Oak and Colerain and was a member of the 1994 class of Colerain High School.

Following high school, a time that included a senior year captain role for the Colerain Cardinals football team, Bill attended Mount St. Joseph University to study Health/Physical Education and play offensive line.  Later he earned a master’s in School Administration at Xavier University.  Bill began his coaching career at Finneytown High School (1998).  He began his teaching/coaching career at Winton Woods (1999-2005) and went on to teach Health/PE in Viginia (2005-2014).  In VA he spent time teaching/coaching at South Lakes High School (2005-2007) and George C. Marshall High School (2007-2014).  A varsity head coaching job with the Marshall Statesmen preceded his return to Ohio where he taught/coached at Princeton (2014-2018) and Mason High School (2018-present).

Bill’s passion for the game was second to his passion for the players.  His expertise of the game and fundamentals lead to a new passion – youth football (players and coaches).  In addition to coaching youth football, Bill supported skill development and a love for the line in his youth O-Line Academy business.  Ever growing in his field, Bill was a certified Personal Fitness teacher and part-time personal trainer, and Yoga certified as part of teaching a Mind, Body and Wellness class.

Bill met his wife Andria after college and married on July 3, 2004.  They built a life supporting each other’s career passions, moving to and from Virginia, and raising three amazing children Darrin, Nolan and Alex.  His love for ‘DNA’ was etched on his heart (and right bicep).  His greatest pride rested solely on the outstanding humans he raised with Andria. Bill’s other loves include a roaring backyard fire, his dogs, baby goats, scary movies, zebra cakes, fishing, swimming, chicken wings, and a good pair of UA shorts.

Bill is preceded in death by his father William Dale Lapthorn.  He is survived by his mother Gail (Paul) Eggleston, his brothers Brian (Jennifer) Lapthorn and Kevin (Janet) Lapthorn, father and mother-in-law John and Karen DeMers, many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.  Extended family members, friends, colleagues, students and players span across several communities in the Cincinnati and Virginia areas.

Through teaching and coaching, Bill earned the respect of many.  He inspired countless young students and athletes by providing a safe space for growth, feelings of acceptance and love, and lots of laughs.  His communication skills (including his quick wit) with students, athletes and associated adults, and his dedication to fostering both athletic and personal growth will be remembered fondly.  His legacy as a teacher and coach is unmatched. His impact lies in the many young students and athletes that credit him with shaping their character and guiding them through pivotal moments.

A memorial gathering honoring Bill, will take place on Tuesday August 6, 2024, with family and friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM followed by a service at 6:30 PM at Crossroads Church (990 Reading Road, Mason 45040).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to any Huntington Bank (Lapthorn-0805) or electronically through Zelle (513-226-9332).