William C. VanNess, II

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dr. William C. VanNess, II, 80, of Anderson, affectionately known to friends and family as Bill. He left us on March 24, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis after a short illness. Born on January 29, 1945, in Texas, Bill was the son of William C. VanNess, I, and Martha E. (O'Neal) VanNess.

Bill was a proud graduate of Butler University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967, before diving into medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1972. For most of his life, he dedicated himself to being a family physician, serving everyone with the utmost care. He was not just a doctor - he was an integral part of the Anderson community.

Outside of medicine, Bill was a passionate fan of both the Butler Bulldogs and Indiana Hoosiers, never missing a chance to cheer on his teams. When he wasn't rooting for his favorite team, you could find him enjoying a round of golf at the Anderson Country Club, a place where he made countless memories with friends.

Bill's contributions to healthcare were truly remarkable. He served as the family physician and director of the Summitville Convalescent Center from 1972 to 1997 before moving on to become the Chief Executive Officer for Community Hospital of Anderson, a role he held until 2012. His dedication to public health was evident when he was appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner from 2014 to 2017 and his tenure as Chief Medical Officer of the Indiana Department of Corrections from 2017 to 2018. Most recently, he served as the Madison County Health Officer in 2024-2025, a position he cherished.

Dr. VanNess is survived by his wife, Lisa Martin; Five children, Chip (spouse, Nicole) VanNess, Benjamin (spouse, Jennifer) VanNess, Anthony (spouse, Heather) VanNess, Zachary (spouse, Olivia) VanNess, and Grant VanNess; One brother, Jon (spouse, Linda) VanNess; Mother and Father-in-law, Rick and Kathy Martin; Grandchildren, Jackson, Riley, Parker, Cooper, Lilly, Gabriel, and Eliza; Two great-grandchildren, Miller and Marlo.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Anderson Country Club, 602 Northshore Blvd. Anderson, Indiana 46011.

A time of sharing to celebrate Bill's life will follow visitation on Saturday at the Anderson Country Club starting at 5:00pm.

Services have been entrusted to Bozell Funeral Homes, Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Madison County Humane Society.

Online Condolences may be shared at: www.bozellfuneralhomes.com