Billy Joe Witter

Billy Joe Witter, 78, Flora, passed away on June 2nd, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center in Delphi, Indiana, after an extended illness. He was reunited with his wife of 42 years, Patricia L. Obermeyer Witter who passed away May 1st, 2010. The son of Uriah Joe Witter & Thelma Juanita Brown Witter, Bill was born on September 24th, 1933 in Carroll County, Indiana and remained a life long resident of Carroll County. Bill was graduated from Carrollton High School where he served as President of the Class of 1951.
After serving his Country in the United States Army, Bill received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Carroll County in 1956 and resumed farming which he loved, and remained so for 34 years. Bill simultaneously worked as the Parts Manager at Lahr Ford & Mercury for 25 years cultivating a love of vehicles. He later worked part-time at Johnson Seed Service in Flora, Indiana. One of his passions for many years was going to various farm equipment sales with his good friend and neighbor, Chuck Spooner. Another was meeting with his buddies for coffee every morning so they could solve the world’s problems. The family would like to send a special thank you to his coffee buddies (D.C. Davis, Atlee Oyler, Steve Mills, & Steve Ashby) for their care and concern over the years and especially to his neighbors Chuck & Janet Spooner for always being there when needed. Thanks also for the special relationship with Bill (deceased) & Anne Briggs over the years & Jack Mills. Additional thanks to the staff at Milner Community Healthcare Center (Rossville), St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center, and Dr. Wael Harb (Lafayette) & his staff for their many years of care.
He is survived by his Sister, Patricia Ann Witter Thieke and her Husband Donald (Walton); his Step-Daughter Kathy Long Shambaugh and her companion, John Miller (Rossville); his Step-Son Gregory Long (Bunker Hill); his Nephew Tony L. Thieke and his wife, Valta Kenworthy Thieke (Cutler); his Niece Pamela Thieke Ellis and her husband,  Michael Thomas Ellis (Terre Haute); Step-Grandchildren Adrienne Shambaugh Niverson and her husband, Nick (McCordsville); Macen Long and his wife, Mindy (Elkhart); & Megan Kinsey, and her husband, Kevin (Russiaville); Great-Niece and Nephews, Caché Lauren Rose Ellis & Christian Michael Uriah Ellis (Terre Haute) and Wesley Hubert Thieke & Nigel A. Thieke (Cutler); Step-Great-Granddaughter, Willow Anne Kinsey, His Sister-In –Law, Rita Pepka and her husband John (Kokomo), two Brothers-In-Law, Gene Obermeyer and his wife, Marty (Kokomo), and Don Obermeyer and his wife, Sue (Orlando, Fla.). Most importantly, he is survived by his favorite companion, his loving dog, Molly Faye who Bill enjoyed spending afternoons with behind the old barn as they listened to the birds sing.  Much more importantly to Bill than material things, he found happiness through his family, friends, pets, & memories like a picture out of a Norma Rockwell Collection with a particularly special closeness to his sister and her family.
In addition to being predeceased by his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, Clarence & Mildred Chism Obermeyer, and his beloved dog of 17 years, Wiggles.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 4th, 2012 at Living Faith Church of the Brethren, 310 N. 250 West, Flora, Indiana with Services at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 also at the Church. At Bill’s request Jerry Sibbitt, who has always had a special place in Bill’s heart will officiate in addition to the Rev. Jeff Tomson, and his niece-in-law, Valta Kenworthy Thieke will provide vocals. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora. Genda Funeral Home – Reinke Chapel, Flora, assisted with arrangements
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to Living Faith Church of the Brethren where envelopes will be provided or the charity of your choice.