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William Bless Obituary
76, Greenwood, passed away Friday, May 6, 2016. Bill was born May 27, 1939 in Indianapolis to the late Charles & Hazel Bless. A longtime member of Greenwood Christian Church, he was devoted to his family and had a passion for the game of football.
His love of sports began as a young child; he played football, and was a 1957 graduate of Warren Central High School. Bill was an educator and coach since graduating from Indiana Central in 1963, where he was co-captain of the football team.
He coached at Greensburg, Whiteland, and Mooresville High Schools. He was the head football coach for 21 years at University of Indianapolis, also serving as professor in the Health/PE Department for 29 years. After retiring as the winningest football coach in school history, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and the University of Indianapolis Athletics Hall of Fame. To this day, his legacy continues with his sons and grandchildren involved in athletics and coaching. He served on the Greenwood City Council for over 20 years, and was Acting Mayor of Greenwood in 1991.
Survivors: his wife of 57+ years, Beverly (Staub) Bless; children, Jennie Bless Schilk (John), Mark Bless ( Nancy), Scott Bless (Laura), Tim Bless (Jill); six grandchildren, Cassie Crone, Tyler Bless, Gretchen Bless, Charlie Bless, Luke Bless, Tate Bless; sister, Janet Hausz, brother, Rick Bless. He was preceded in death by brother Steven Bless.
Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Monday, May 9 at G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens at Olive Branch Road, 1605 S. State Road 135. The Rev. Shan Rutherford will conduct the service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions: Greenwood Christian Church or University of Indianapolis Greyhound Club. Online condolences: www.ghherrmann.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bless
Bob Copeland
May 10, 2016
The Bless Boys:
My sympathies to you at this special time. I had known your dad for a long time and respected what he did for the game of football. I sent several players to him at UofI with confidence they would be treated right. The game has lost a great advocate but fortunately his sons have carried the family name forward.
Bob Copeland
Dave & Gayle Lewis
May 10, 2016
We have many warm and fun "football memories" with Bill, Bev and all of the Bless family. Our sincere sympathy to all of the family on his passing. May your cherished memories comfort and sustain you in this most difficult time.
Tony Burchett
May 9, 2016
Coach Bless made an impact on the game and those who played it. Rest in peace Coach .God bless the family.
Stewart DeVane
May 8, 2016
I appreciate the time I spent with Bill at the U of I and the young men who played for Bill. So sorry to hear of his passing and I know he will be greatly missed by his family and those lives he touched. I am in NY at this time and regrettably will not be available to personally bestow my respect for Bill.
Bill Jennings
May 8, 2016
Dear Bless Family members: We in the coaching business lost a beloved yet fierce competitor. He was always humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Beyond that he was an exemplary member of the coaching/teaching profession and hopefully was appreciated for all the lives he changed for the better. When I think of all the great guys I had the pleasure of knowing and competing against, his name always stands out among the best. Though your loss is difficult to bare, know that his standards of conduct continue in those whose lives he touched. Bill J.
David Bolin
May 7, 2016
Rest in peace Coach
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Memorial Events
for William Bless
May
9
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Homes - Greenwood1605 S State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143
May
10
Visitation
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Homes - Greenwood1605 S State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143
May
10
Funeral services provided by:
G.H. Herrmann Funeral Homes - Greenwood1605 S State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143
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