Billy R. Masters

Billy R. Masters, 79, of South Bend, formally of Hudson Lake, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 7:15 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, in the Raclin House surrounded by his loved ones. Billy was born on May 26, 1946 in Herrin, Illinois to Leroy and Lillian (Leach) Masters. Billy attended New Carlisle High School in New Carlisle Indiana. Billy served multiple years in the 71st Infantry of the United States Army. He was deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam war and was decorated with multiple medals during his service there. These medals include The National Defense Service medal, The Vietnam Service medal, and The Vietnam Campaign medal before he was honorably discharged. Billy was employed by Clark equipment company for multiple years followed by being the owner and operator of a trucking company where he oversaw a small fleet of trucks. After many years, Billy became employed at Lakeshore Brick and Block before opening his exhaust shop. Billy was a proud union member his entire trucking career, eventually achieving the Holland One million mile Award before retiring in 2008 from USF Holland. On September 28, 1969, Two weeks after meeting in LaPorte, Indiana he married Betty Sue Damron, who preceded him in death on January 31, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lillian Masters; his sister Linda Krivak; and his brother Mick Masters. Billy is survived by his daughter, Beth Ann Masters of Hudson Lake, Indiana; two sons, Bill Masters of South Bend, Indiana and Bob (Nicole Braun) Masters of New Carlisle, Indiana; and ten grandchildren, Ashlyn Masters, Sueann Masters, Riley Masters, Alan Ebersole, Sam Masters, Parker Masters, Blake Mitchell, Lila Mitchell, Mason Braun, and Tyson Braun. Billy loved motorcycles and classic cars, including hot rods and muscle cars. Billy's favorite activity was going to car and motorcycle shows with his sons, grandchildren, and close friends. Other activities Billy loved included relaxing on his boat and breakfast with his car buddies. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Billy could be described as hardworking, humorous and strong willed, however, to his family he would be described as loving, protective, and above all, a man of integrity. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, 46628. Burial will follow in New Carlisle Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial Contributions should be directed Vietnam Veterans Fund. https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/2026-The-Wall-That-Heals-Tour-Schedule/?form=donate