William (Bill) L. Bouse

   William (Bill) Lewis Bouse, 95, of Walkerton, passed away on April 9, 2021, at Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart, Indiana, where he cherished the opportunity to say goodbye to family and close friends. He was born October 10, 1925, in Miami, Indiana. His family moved to the Walkerton area when he was a young man. Shortly following graduation from Walkerton High School, he became a Marine in World War II. He served with distinction and great courage in the Battle of Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jima. He witnessed the historical raising of the flags on Mount Suribachi. He was also a trumpet player in the Marine Band.

  Bill is survived by one nephew, Lee E. Bouse (Deborah) and three nieces, Linda Joe Sauer (Steve) and Deborah Sullivan Brown (Gerry) and Denise Lynne Brooks (Gary). He was also close to his wife’s nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 74 years, Juanita (Gardner) Bouse, his parents, Manford Lee Bouse and Helen Juanita (Dunlap) Bouse. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Betty Joe Winkley, Marvin Lee Bouse and Bonnie Mae Sullivan.

  Bill was loved by all who knew him. As a young man, he was an avid baseball player, golfer, pool player and bowler. As a talented pool player, he remained on the area league championship team up until his final illness. Bill enjoyed life, friends and family. He enjoyed a variety of careers throughout his life and tended to be successful at business endeavors. He was involved with the union at Oliver and worked his way up to President of the United Auto Workers Union; he and his partners owned and managed the Walkerton Bowling Alley in the 1950’s-1960’s, he owned Pilgrim Buildings, a construction company located in Plymouth, and ultimately retired as Marketing Manager for Ft. Recovery Equipment Company, based in Fort Recovery, Ohio.

  He had the heart of a public servant, serving on the Walkerton Town Board for 12 years, the Walkerton Planning Commission, the Walkerton Board of Zoning, the Lincoln Township Advisory Board and the John Glenn Building Trades Board. He was also a fire fighter.

  Uncle Bill was a wise and compassionate person. His wisdom and advice will continue to be cherished. His sincere concern for others and his sense of humor and positive outlook on life will be fondly remembered. His love of family and friends will be a lasting memory. He will be greatly missed.

  A joint celebration of life will be on June 26, 2021. The lives of Marvin and Elaine Bouse, as well as Bill and Juanita Bouse, will be celebrated. Service will be open to all friends and family at 11:00 A.M. at the North Liberty Church of Christ. A luncheon will follow the service. All are invited.

  In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to be made to the Walkerton Lincoln Fire Territory-Ambulance Service and the Presbyterian Church of Walkerton, Indiana.

  The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Walkerton Chapel” handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Bouse families.

  Condolences may be expressed at: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com

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