William Wayne “Bill” Giffin, age 81, of Terre Haute, Indiana passed away holding his daughter's hand on March 24, 2020, at Bell Trace Nursing Home in Bloomington, Indiana. He was born in Shadyside, Ohio in 1938 to Paul and Gayle (Trigg) Giffin. He married his best friend, Elizabeth Ann (Leath) after they graduated from the College of Wooster. He received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Bill and Liz had two children, Jill Leath Giffin and Ted Giffin. He became a widower at the age of 38. With the help of his wife's mother, Zuleika "Eee" (Hughes) Leath, he reared his children with love and by example. He made sure they knew that they were loved by his parents, his sister-in-law's family, his Kohl cousins, and the extended Giffin family in Ohio.
For nearly 50 years Bill was fortunate to do what he loved: teach history and be a historian. He retired from Indiana State University's Department of History at the end of 2017. Through his lectures and mentoring, he positively impacted the lives of thousands of students. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Scotland, reading British mysteries, watching old movies, and rooting for the Ohio State University football and basketball teams. Bill is survived by his children, Jill and Ted Giffin, both of Bloomington, Indiana and his decades-long friend, Sandra Chappell; his cousins, John Kohl (Nancy) and Jim Kohl (Nancy); his sister-in-law, Mary Rentz (Peter); and by many friends from Indiana State University.
Private services were held for Bill at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, Indiana.
A celebration of Bill's life may be held after the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Indiana State University Department of History at www.indstate.edu/cas/history/giving