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William Backman Obituary
William D. "Bill" Backman Jr., 85, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He was born September 2, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio, son of the late William and Eloise (Tomkins) Backman. Bill graduated from Aurora High School in 1949. He graduated from Wabash college in 1953 and later established the William D Backman Sr. Scholarship at Wabash College. He received the World Hunting Award from the Safari Club International in 1998 as recognition of his contribution to the conservation of wildlife. He was a longtime supporter of the Aurora Farmer's Fair, Hillforest Museum, the Masonic Lodge (50 year member), United Way, South Dearborn Community Schools, Dearborn County youth sports, South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars and numerous other local organizations. He was a member of the Riverview Cemetery Board (over 15 years), Fish and Wildlife Foundation Board of Indiana (over 15 years), Member of the Indiana Department of National Resources Board and a board member of the First National Bank. Bill was employed at Aurora Casket from June1, 1948 until his retirement December 31, 1996. At Aurora Casket he was the President from September 1, 1979 to August 31, 1993 and the CEO from 1983 to 1996 and Chairman of the Board from 1989 to 2002. He is survived by his wife, Cathey Backman; 3 sons, William D. "Bax" (wife Lori) Backman III, David P. Backman, John "Jerry" Backman IV; sister, Ina Shoenberg; 7 grandchildren, Brett, Nich, Carissa, Blake, David, Bree, and JJ; and 3 great grandchildren, Avery, Stella, and Bridger. He was preceded in death by his parents, William D. Backman Sr. and Eloise Backman; and his grandson, William D. "Billy" Backman IV. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 1 pm. Contributions may be made to the South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars; Hillforest Museum, or the Shriner's Burn Hospital. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the kind people at both Ridgewood Health Care and Dearborn County Hospital. Visit us at www.fitchdenney.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Backman
Presley, Mark & Adam Melton
April 11, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bax and the family. Bill was a leader who set the tone for family owned businesses across our industry. His legacy still lives on in his employees and customers.
Russel Floyd
April 7, 2017
To "Bax" and family: was just catching up with last months Funeral Insider and saw that your dad had died. So sorry to hear. I still remember meeting him in Aurora and visiting the metal trophy building - what a sight! Will always remember our trips together. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Gary L. Kaufman
March 6, 2017
My condolences go out to his family. I got to know him in the 60's & 70's when I worked for the Howard H. Hubbard Funeral Home in Baltimore, Md. Great person.
mary jane terrill evans
March 6, 2017
My condolences to the family of Bill Backman. I enjoyed working with Cathey and Bill on their home. My granddaughter, with her girl scout troop, met Bill at Ridgewood several weeks ago. Enjoyed hearing about his animals in the room. Gabriyel was surprised to hear about "the man with the alligator and bear" passing away. Bill had a great life and from what I hear, found a comfortable place in Ridgewood. I do know women that do not want to leave when their therapy ends. Prayers to the family members.
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Mike Fahey
March 6, 2017
A giant of a man. A man whose presence made a business meeting more motivating, a camp fire warmer, a joke funnier and a hunting experience more adventurous. Condolences to Ms Cathy, Bax and Lori, David and Jerry. May your grief soon be replaced by nothing but fond memories.
Roger & Barbara Grizzel
March 5, 2017
Bax, your dad was a leader and a man of direction. He had a way of making you feel good about any task at hand. His laugh & personality will be missed by all that he touched. Our prayers are with you & your family. Roger & Barbara Grizzel
Mike and Janice Hine
March 4, 2017
Our condolences to the family. Bill touched more lives than can be imagined and made each one better for it including ours. He lived an incredible life and we are thankful for the time we had with him. We will keep him in our memories and all of you in our prayers.
Lucy Lail
March 4, 2017
Dear Beloved Backman Family, We are so blessed to have known "Big Bill". He will forever live in our Hearts and minds with his tremendous smile and kind heart. His gregarious nature and love of life shined so strong and was a gift to everyone he touched. We are saddened by your loss and know Big Daddy is off to a better adventure. May God Bless you and your family with the belief that he is always with you, and his love is ever so present.
xoxoxoxoxoxo The Lail Family
LaRay & Carolyn Johnson
March 4, 2017
Sorry to hear about Bill, I know we will all miss him. Enjoyed visiting with him the time that we met him.
The Vic Fuller Family
March 4, 2017
Kathey and Family, Bill was such a kind person to so many. When my husband was at Ridgewood, Bill would look out for him. My grandson met Mr Bill Backman, as he called him and Bill would tell him about all the animals in his room. He always took time and patience to explain things. We have lost a great man! He was loved by so many and what a wonderful life he had and we will all miss him. Prayers to the Backman Family.
Rob Hotaling
March 4, 2017
Dave, You and your Family are in my Prayers.GOD BLESS Him.Rob Hotaling
Maco Stewart
March 4, 2017
Bill and my father are now gone. My father and mother, Bill's sister Ina, had their wedding reception at the Big House in Aurora, and that era and most of its larger-than-life participants--my grandparents, father, and now uncles--have passed from the scene. Ina and I will see you all in about ten hours, and we send you our love.
Jim Flippen
March 4, 2017
Bill was truly a class act and a man's man. He was a true gentleman and a great mentor to many. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jim Flippen
March 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength in God's promise found at John 6:40
G.Man
March 4, 2017
God Bless Bill and his Family-Life is but a Blink but the Holy Spirit is for-ever
David Bowman
March 4, 2017
Cathy, Bax and family, what a great man Bill Backman was and will be missed. I have a lot of great memories of him and have been privileged to work with Aurora for almost 40 years. Your family was special to my family and my brother Phil, who worked for 42 yrs. representing the best casket company! My thoughts and prayers to you during this time
PG Gentrup
March 4, 2017
I was so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Jerry Bondurant and I enjoyed stopping by and chatting with Bill. He was just a good man and we will miss our chats with him. May God Bless the family and may Bill rest in eternal peace.
Tim and Holli Miller and family
March 4, 2017
We would like to express our condolences to the Backman family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole during this difficult time.
Renda Thompson
March 4, 2017
RIP, prayers for Bax and the family.
Gail Von Holle & Tom Bruns
March 4, 2017
Sincere sympathy to the Backman family. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Laura Pelfrey
March 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this very difficult time. May this very special man RIP . I know he will be missed terribly by all those who love him and those who had the chance to meet such an amazing man. My love to all of you and you all will continue to be in my prayers..
Jim and Barbara Irons
March 4, 2017
We were sorry to hear of Mr. Bachman's passing. Sincerest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Robert Shelby
March 4, 2017
Bax, Mrs. Bachman and family, You have our deepest sympathy in the death of Bill. He was a gentleman we appreciated very much for many years and always enjoyed talking with him. May he rest in peace. Our prayers for your family. Bob & Helen Shelby
Honeylyn
March 4, 2017
You are now with the Lord. You will be missed. Prayers for Bill's love ones at this time of mourning.
Blake Wahl
March 4, 2017
Rest in peace, my prayers go out to your family.
Randy Schoedinger
March 4, 2017
I only met Mr Backman once but had many chance to interact with Baxe. A class family through and through. Always concerned with their community, their employees, and their customers. My thoughts are with you. Randy Schoedinger
Chi fischer
March 3, 2017
My nem Chi Fischer I am employee aurora casket for 30 year im retired and my condolences for the family he is good man
Gerald Melancon
March 3, 2017
My family and I are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It was always a pleasure to see him at the conventions. We will keep him and his family in our prayers.
Donald Stirgus
March 3, 2017
My thoughts are with you in your loss.I will be praying for your family.
Darryl and Melissa
March 3, 2017
So sorry for your loss JB and the rest of the family, Death is never easy when you loose a loved one. If i can help in anyway JB you know how to get ahold of Darryl or myself. Again my deepest sympathies to you and your family......Darryl and Melissa
Joe Hines
March 3, 2017
I'm very sorry for your loss. I have been an Aurora Casket employee for 30 years, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Backman and he was a true Gentleman.
Jenny Beare
March 3, 2017
Prayers to the family. He was such a kind, generous man.
Hassel w Brashears
March 3, 2017
Prayers to the family on the loss of a great man.
Donna Vanostrand
March 3, 2017
so sorry for your loss he was a good man.This is Kenny Peters sister' last seen him at the casino about a year ago they we're up there to eat about a year ago with my brother'
Ted chipman
March 3, 2017
My prayers are for all the family he was a man that I have admired I all of my life No matter where we were at he always went out of his way to say hello
Charlie Ray
March 3, 2017
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the entire Blackman Family. Stopped in and had a nice visit with old Bill a few months back, wonderful visit. Truest A good man of all men. Will surely miss!
David Berg
March 3, 2017
A true gentleman.
Johnny McClurd
March 3, 2017
It has been said Bill is one of a kind. How true! RIP, my friend.
Katrina Van Guelpen
March 3, 2017
So sorry. This man's outstanding legacy will forever live in our hearts. Prayers to the entire family and friends.
Max Miller
March 3, 2017
So sorry. Outstanding gentleman in all ways.
Peter Martin & Bernardo Garcia
March 3, 2017
His smile would light up a room, his laugh would put you at ease, his handshake instilled confidence. What a great leader & gentleman. Bax, Bernardo & I are praying for you and your family.
Pat Ross
March 3, 2017
So sorry for your family's loss! At least, like you said David, you were all there ??????
Fitch-Denney Funeral Home
March 4, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Jim Wilson
March 3, 2017
I'm saddened to hear of Bill's passing.... Bill and my father were great friends and we have great memories of Bill and his family.....You were one of a kind! My condolences to Cathey and the family...Jim Wilson
Bob (Fossey) Foster
March 3, 2017
It is with a heavy heart that I post this condolence. I was not just an employee of Aurora Casket. I was a "family" member, as we all were. Bill and his family were there for me during my difficult times. I have so many fond memories that I will always cherish. My prayers go out to Cathey, Bax, David, John (Jerry) and all of the family
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