Bill Bevans Sr.

1928 - 2016

Bill (Billy) Bevans Sr., 88

Yorktown - Bill "Billy" Bevans Sr., 88, of Yorktown, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, March 19, 2016 at his home.

He was born March 11, 1928 in Magness, Arkansas and was the son of the late Ewing "Chic" and Virginia "Teen" (Smith) Bevans.

Billy was raised by his grandparents Bud and Luda Smith in Magness, Arkansas and learned at an early age the value of hard work. As a young man, he picked cotton, farmed, and installed electrical lines.

Billy was a veteran of The United State Air Force, serving in the Occupation of Japan at Yokota Air Base at the end of WW II with the rank of Technical Sergeant. He shared a story of when General Douglass McArthur (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan) made a surprise visit in his mess hall. As he went through the chow line, The General stopped and asked Billy what he was cooking? Billy replied "what the hell does it look like", as Billy turned around to see who asked him the question. Horrified, Billy then stood at attention as the General said "carry on soldier". He admired how General McArthur didn't want any special food, and that he sat among the troops in the mess hall to eat. After six months of being a cook, Billy went to school in Tokyo to become a Mess Sergeant. Another story he shared was when he visited the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, seeing first hand, the devastation after the United States dropped the atom bombs to end WW II.

After serving his country, he married the love of his life, Bertha Bevans (James) on August 27, 1949 in Magness, Arkansas. It was love at first site for Billy and Bertha as they first set eyes on each other at "The Spring Lot" in Sulpher Rock, Arkansas. "The Spring Lot" is where Billy later proposed to Bertha, and four months later, they married. For over sixty-six years they forged a love for one another that will last forever. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Indiana where Billy worked in a number of places including civil defense, Brooks Canning Factory, Ball Brothers, Glasco, and Becket Bronze. After going to trade school, Billy became a tool and die maker for Warner Gear/Borg Warner Automotive where he retired as Maintenance Supervisor in 1995 after thirty years of service. He was a member of the UAW Local 287, National Rifle Association (NRA), and The Buck Creek Trophy Club.

As an avid outdoorsman Billy enjoyed camping and hunting in the Hoosier National Forest near Story, Indiana, at a place called the circle for over thirty years with family and friends. He later purchased his own property in Southern, Indiana near Madison, making this his home away from home. Over the last twenty-five years you would find him spending time there year round with family. He continued his love for cooking as well, as he was the cabin chef during hunting season and family weekends.

Billy loved watching his old westerns, and keeping everyone updated on the latest news events. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR races, the Pacers, the Reds, and Purdue, and IU basketball games.

In his free time, Billy loved to plant his yearly vegetable garden. He would typically plant way more than he needed, or could easily handle. Even though this was more work for him, his intention was to give the extra vegetables to family, friends, and those in need.

Billy never knew a stranger. Often starting conversations with just about anyone he would encounter, and was a friend. He was best known for his larger than life personality. He was a captivating story-teller, always laughing out loud and getting animated while telling them. His adventures were legendary. We often said, "He's been there, and done that." Also, there was never a problem he could not solve as he was our family "MacGyver," or "Mr. Fix-it."

And then there was, "Papaw." Billy's first and most cherished role was loving his grandchildren. There was not an event in their lives that Papaw was not there cheering them on. For years, he would be the taxi-man for their school and sports activities. He would always say with pride that "he raised these kids." He embedded in his children and grandchildren the values of hard work, honesty and always putting others needs above your own.

We were very fortunate and blessed to have this wonderful man in our lives. Being a man of strong character, he was the cornerstone of this family. We will miss him dearly, but we will carry him in our hearts forever.

He would want to send a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and friends at Fresenius Medical Care Muncie and to Dr. Bahrami, nurses and staff at American Health Network for all their patience and special care over the years.

Billy is survived by his wife, Bertha (James) Bevans, children, Bill Bevans Jr. (Vickie Printz), Tim Bevans (Lisa Cox), and Ken Bevans (Katy Callahan), grandchildren, Erika Deshong (Craig), Joshua Bevans (Crystal Drudy), Ashley Hill (Niles), Brittany Bevans, Stephen Bevans, Megan Baumet (TJ), Derek Bevans, Brock Bevans; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Irene) Bevans (New Castle); sisters, Peggy Harding (Mt. Summit), and Penny Wilson (New Castle); several nieces and nephews, and special friends, Charlie and Nola Nichols. He will also be missed by his beloved babies, Kirby "his little buddy", Kippy "Poo", and Koby "Kobdog" who passed away in 2015. These three dogs gave Billy "Papaw" a lot of happiness and were the light of his eyes.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bud and Luda Smith, parents, Ewing and Virginia Bevans, brothers, William Bevans and Dick Bevans, a son, Steve Bevans, and special friends, Fred Stevens, Jim Crose, Curt Bryant and Herb Dunn.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304 with Pastor John Tyner officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Memorial Park with Military Rites by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.elmridgefuneralhome.com