William Earl (Bill) Marquess, 88, of Wingate, made his journey to heaven on April 26 at 11:00 am. After becoming ill in Florida, and spending several weeks in the hospital, Bill traveled back to Indiana with the help of Grace on Wings. He remained under medical care for several more weeks until he passed away in his daughter's home in Crawfordsville, IN.
A life well lived. Bill was born to Jim and Anna Marquess on June 9, 1927 in Sterling, Indiana. He spent his entire youth there and graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1945. He attended one semester at Indiana University before enlisting in the US Army at the end of WWII. He proudly served his tour of duty in the Occupation force in Germany. After returning to the states, he drove a fuel truck for High Point Oil Company (Marathon) for 28 years. Later he drove a fork lift at Inland Container for 15 years before retiring. Not to be one to sit for long, he came out of retirement and received his Realtor license and sold insurance. Until he left for vacation in February 2016 he worked at Progressive Enterprises for nearly 10 years.
Bill was an all around athlete. He made the first cut of basketball at IU before he left for the army. He later played organized softball for many years. He loved shooting hoops with the kids in Wingate or on his gas route with any one who would pick up a ball. He was also an avid archer. He attended many traveling tournaments in which he did very well. He liked going deer hunting in Michigan each fall with his best buddies. He loved pitching horse shoes and continued to be a hard one to beat. He enjoyed riding his bicycle around Wingate and loved to go fishing, both of which he continued for the duration of his life. In the 70's Bill picked up motorcycle riding, a hobby he enjoyed up until his passing. He and his wife Carolyn enjoyed many years of riding across the US and Canada with their dear friends. His motorcycle took him to many places, a favorite being Turkey Run, where he loved walking the trails. He enjoyed the 2 weeks prior to is illness in Florida with his brother Jim riding a bike, walking and laying in the sun. He entered the former Mercer Lodge as a Mason in Wingate in 1954. He was a 50 year Past Master Plus. He not only served his lodge, but any surrounding lodge that need his services, which he proudly gave.
A life well loved. Bill was loved by all who knew him and he truly lived a Christian life where he attended Pleasant Hill Church. Bill met his wife Carolyn Funk and they married in 1951, she preceded him in death in 2008. They raised their children in Wingate. Tina Walden, Cheryl (Rob) McIlrath, Connie (Tom) Harshbarger and Billy Marquess. Bill leaves behind his loving grandchildren, Megan Roche, Ryan (Lisa Zimmerman) Walden, Monica Calder and Clint (Jillian) Calder, Emily McIlrath, Mike (Bobbie) Harshbarger, Stacey Fruits, and Ali Marquess. He also had 7 great grandchildren. His brother Jim (Sharon) Marquess and many nephews and nieces. He enjoyed all his grand children's events, whether it was dance, bowling, softball, football, track, baseball or basketball. Although he was an avid IU (Bobby Knight) fan, he proudly wore Black and Gold when his granddaughter Emily swam for Purdue. He traveled to all her meets along with other members of his family.
He was met in heaven by his parents, wife Carolyn, sister Jeanne (Harold) Williams, sister-in-laws Kate (Doc) Gross and Teenie (Bob) Bane, and all of his dear friends whom he missed deeply. He truly will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation hours are 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016 with a Masonic Memorial Service at 8:00 p.m. at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30th at the funeral home, with Pastors Alan Goff and Duane Mycroft officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wingate, with graveside military rites by Crawfordsville American Legion/VFW Posts. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pleasant Hill Church or Grace on Wings. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.