William D. Plikerd, D.D.S.

William D. “Bill” Plikerd, D.D.S., age 92, of Newark, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born May 22, 1931 in Lima, Ohio to the late Roscoe D. and Elzora (Purdy) Plikerd. He faithfully served his country in the United States Navy from 1952-56 during the Korean Conflict. Bill received a Masters degree and also a degree in Orthodontics from The Ohio State University. He was an orthodontist for nearly 50 years and was always on the leading edge of the newest orthodontic treatments. He retired in 2018 from his practice, Orthodontic Concepts, which was located on North 21st Street in Newark.

Bill was a member of the Newark Rotary Club, the Holistic Dental Association, the Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and the OSU Alumni Association. He loved learning about homeopathic, holistic, and energy medicine. A loving husband and father, Bill was also very devoted to his patients and their families. His loyal staff was like a second family to him. He and his wife, Sharon, took many extended vacations with his staff to orthodontic conferences to learn the newest dental techniques as well as to have fun. Spirituality and serving others was at the core of his being and Bill was a mentor to many. In retirement Bill and Sharon spent countless hours doing jigsaw puzzles.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sharon Plikerd; daughter, Lisa (Jim Wiggins) Plikerd Cole of Columbus; son, Roscoe Plikerd of Columbus; step-daughters, Kelly Thornton of Lenexa, Kansas and Marci (Jake) Hendershot of Nashport; daughter, Crystal Lapidus-Mann of Newark; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Elizabeth Plikerd; a step-daughter, Anne Rinaldo; step-sons-in-law, Brian Rinaldo and Steve Thornton; and nine siblings.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective at mofc.org or to the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road NE, Newark, Ohio 43055.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Dr. Plikerd and his family.