William Martin Wetzel, Sr.

William Martin Wetzel, Sr., (aka Bill, Billy, Big Marty, Dad, Daddy, PePaw, Peeps) age 79 passed away peacefully on Sunday August 6, 2017 due to Dementia that rapidly progressed to end stage in only a few months from the original diagnosis.  He was born January 23, 1938 in New Orleans. He married Lindadell Catherine Smith on February 23, 1957.  Bill worked as a truck driver, contractor, furniture sales manager, and insurance salesman to support his loving family until he was able to settle in the one career he was meant for all along, a Policeman with the New Orleans Harbor Police.  He was honored to wear the badge and quickly moved up in the ranks to his ultimate desired position as detective.  He retired in July of 2000 but still proudly carried his credentials. He laminated his badge card and marked it retired.  This was displayed in his wallet card window and kept with him at all times. But what Bill was most proud of was his family. He was so happy to be around his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He proudly traveled all over to watch his boys sporting events.  HE rarely missed a game.  His two sons both played college football at Tulane university and his oldest played professionally with the New York Jets.  He had many stories to tell and loved when he was asked to tell them.  He was so very proud of all three of his children’s accomplishments.   Later in his life he felt lucky enough to, along with his wife, keep his great grandchild DJ while his granddaughter was at work.  They were able to do that for a little over a year.  This was probably the happiest time of his retirement.  

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lindadell Catherine Smith Wetzel, his 3 children; William Martin Wetzel, Jr.(Marty) wife Kimmie Roser Wetzel,  Cindy Wetzel Graff, husband Joseph Felton Graff, Sr.,  Troy Anthony Wetzel, his 5 grandchildren; Joey Graff, wife Rachel Graff, Alissa Wetzel, Amanda Wetzel Laney, husband Ryan Laney, Crissy Graff Cahill, husband Kyle Cahill, William Martin Wetzel III (Trey) and his 6 great grandchildren; Harper Laney, Micah Graff, Makena Graff, DJ Cahill, Max Laney, and Maddie Cahill.  He is also survived by his three sisters Rita Wetzel Parr, Marion Wetzel Farmer, and Evelyn Wetzel Mule, and of course his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Betz Wetzel, father, William Edwin Wetzel, sister Mildred Wetzel Schluter, and brother Edwin G. Wetzel.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd., West, Slidell, LA between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow in Hope Mausoleum , New Orleans, LA, at 2:30 PM.