William H. Bence

William Harry Bence, 87, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was born in Indiana, PA on February 15, 1938, and was the son of the late Horace Bence and Helen (Ray) Bence of Indiana, PA.

Bill served for 3 years in the United States Marine Corps, then married his high school sweetheart, Patty. After getting his degree in education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he moved to York County to teach and coach at Dallastown High School.

After teaching geography and history for a short time, Bill took over the driver’s education department and taught hundreds of teens in the classroom and behind the wheel. As head wrestling coach at Dallastown, Bill led his teams to an amazing win-loss record of 279-11 from 1970 to 1989, including a winning streak of 77 matches. He was inducted into multiple sports halls of fame, including the PA State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

After retiring from teaching, Bill got to realize his dream of moving back to Indiana to his wife’s family farm and owning a team of draft horses, Mabel and Jeff. He enjoyed hitching the team to a sled or wagon and taking long rides through the fields and woods.

Not long after retiring to the farm, Bill headed back to the wrestling room to coach at Marion Center High School for 4 seasons, compiling a record of 51-4.

Whether driving his team of draft horses, teaching his students to drive, or instilling the drive to “do their very best” in his wrestlers, Bill was a positive influencer who brought out excellence in others.

Most of all, God and family were central in Bill’s life. He was devoted to his family and to Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in wrestling, lacrosse, and football. He loved taking walks around his neighborhood, playing cards with family and friends, and attending Bible studies at church.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patty Bence; daughter Beth Reinke of Stewartstown; daughter and son-in-law Sondra and Bob MacKenzie of Mt. Airy, MD; three grandsons, Ben Reinke, Joe Reinke, and Jake MacKenzie; and granddaughter Mia MacKenzie.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Helman of Indiana, PA, and Margaret Scott of Lynchburg, VA; a nephew, William Helman of Indiana, PA; and most recently, his dear friend and fellow Dallastown wrestling coach, Al Owens.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be made to one of his churches: Family of God Community Church at 147 First Avenue in Red Lion, PA 17356; Cornerstone Worship Center at 500 Lenz Road, Indiana, PA 15701; or Pleasant View Church at 10384 Winterstown Road, Red Lion, PA 17356.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 23 from 9:00am-11:00am at Family of God Community Church at 147 First Avenue in Red Lion. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 with Pastor Howard Edmondson officiating, assisted by Pastor Paul Price. Military Honors will be provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will follow the service. Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. is assisting with arrangements.