William V. Singleton

William V. Singleton, 85, of South Bend, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by love. In the weeks leading up to his passing, he was never alone-surrounded daily by the family and loved ones who cherished him deeply and showed up to walk with him through his final days.
Born June 10, 1939, in South Bend, Bill was the 11th of 15 children born to Charles and Lovena (Phillips) Singleton. Growing up in a large, tight-knit family during simpler times, he learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and humor. His big family shaped him into the family man he remained throughout his life. Bill was known for his quick wit, silly faces, and one-liners that could send a whole room into laughter. He lived to make people laugh, and he kept that joyful spark all the way to the end.
Bill attended Clay High School and went on to serve in the Army National Guard for four years. His time in the military laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service. He was a proud and active member of the American Legion for many decades and was deeply honored to serve with the Military Funeral Honors team, helping lay countless veterans to rest with dignity and respect-all the way through late 2024. His pride in serving fellow veterans never wavered.
Before his long tenure at PepsiCo, Bill worked as the groundskeeper for Christ the King Church, where his easygoing personality and helpful nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He later spent 26 dedicated years at PepsiCo, known not only for his work ethic but for the joy and humor he brought to the workplace. Even after retirement, he never slowed down-he loved staying busy, always looking for someone to help. For him, lending a hand gave him purpose, and he found joy in doing things for others.
Bill was a man of many talents and passions. He loved carpentry and was always involved in house projects and remodels throughout his life -especially with family. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers and grandson, often filling his freezer each season and making his famous jerky to share with every visitor. He was equally known for his dedication to yard work; in the summer, he could spend half the day on his lawn mower, keeping not just his own yard, but others' as well, in pristine condition.
He adored grilling year-round, but especially in summer, when his home became the heart of family gatherings. For 25 years straight, he hosted a legendary 4th of July party at his lake house on Chain O' Lakes-drawing over 100 of people annually for food, laughter, and what was widely known as the best fireworks show around town. The joy of those gatherings reflected everything he loved: celebration, community, and family.
Bill also had a playful spirit and enjoyed being active throughout his youth and adulthood. Bill especially enjoyed riding his motorcycle in his younger years. He played and umpired softball, bowled, and participated in many team activities. He was incredibly proud to raise his children and loved being involved in their lives. He had a soft spot for dancing-on his first date with Caroline, he won her heart as they danced the night away. That joy carried through their marriage as they continued to share dances they were know to win contests. They have always been the the couple to bring laughter, and adventure to every room over the years.
At American Legion Post #284, William wasn't just a member-he was part of the family. Everyone there knew his name, and everyone loved him. He was involved in every event and faithfully pulled tickets for the Sunday morning drawings, keeping the room full of smiles and laughter with his jokes and big heart.
On August 18, 1984, William married Caroline, his partner, best friend, and love of his life. Their marriage was full of love, laughter, and mutual respect. Their home was famous for its warmth-it was a true gathering place. Whether you were visiting for the first time or had been there a hundred times, you were always welcomed and always fed. William and Caroline loved hosting and cherished every visit with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Their revolving door was a symbol of the love they gave and received daily. Their home wasn't just a house-it was home to many.
William is survived by his beloved wife, Caroline Singleton; his children: William "Willy" (Maria) Singleton, Jr., Carol (Jim) McCaffery, Alice (Andy) Fisher, and Christy Singleton; eight grandchildren: Jimmy, Christine, Samantha (Dominique), Robert (Lyndsey), Danielle, Andrea-Jo, Katie, and Felicia; and nine great-grandchildren: Lylah, Lana, Ava, Avianna, Camren, Veronica, Kyelia, Lucieonnna, and Valerie. He is also survived by his siblings: Jake, Ron, and Walter Singleton, and his sister, Dorothy May.
He was preceded in death by two children, Lovena Singleton and Joseph "Joey" Clark; his parents; and 10 siblings: Kenneth, Charles, Ed, Pete, Ruby, "Red," Shirley, Alice, Clara, and Rose.
Bill leaves behind a legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, humor, and unwavering love. His presence lit up every room, his generosity lifted countless lives, and his laughter will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. He was truly a blessing to know and lived a life rich with joy, purpose, and meaning.
"You don't stop laughing because you grow old-you grow old because you stop laughing."
2 Timothy 4:7 – "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Bill Singleton was the heart of our family and a friend to all. His laughter, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten. We'll keep the firework shows going, the grill hot, and the door open-just like he always did.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. EDT Monday, May 12, 2025, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend. A funeral service will take place in the chapel at 11 a.m. EDT Tuesday, May 13, with visitation one hour prior. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545-5234, or to the American Legion Post #284, 23571 Grant Road, South Bend, IN 46619.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of William V. Singleton, please visit our floral store.