William E. “Bill” Ledford

William E. “Bill” Ledford, 89, of Francesville, passed away at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Lakeview Village Senior Living in Monticello. 

Bill was born on March 2, 1927, in Monticello, to the late Paul and Margaret (Conwell) Ledford. Bill served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. On Nov. 9, 1947, he married the love of his life, Minnie Alvera Rater, at Tippecanoe Christian Church in rural Winamac. She survives.

Bill was a lifelong farmer in Beaver Township, Pulaski County. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He had also worked construction at the steel mills in Northwest Indiana and was a member of the Construction Workers Union Local 81.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband who loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. 

He is survived by his wife Minnie Alvera (Rater) Ledford of Francesville; daughters: Barbara Ann [Tom] Elliott of Monticello, Diana Lee [Mark] Burch of Rochester, Debra Kay [Les] Ezra of Winamac, and Sandra Sue Henderson of Lafayette; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister Beverly [Ed] Loehmer of Winamac; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Margaret (Conwell) Ledford; and brothers: Robert “Bob” Ledford, Paul Ledford Jr. and Donald “Don” Ledford. 

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, and one hour prior to services at the church Monday. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Tippecanoe Christian Church in Winamac, with Rev. Ed Clark officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tippecanoe Christian Church.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com. 

(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 15, 2017)