William T. Robertson

William T. Robertson passed away peacefully on November 22nd, 2025 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN surrounded by his family. He was born in New Castle, IN on March 7, 1947, the 4th child of William Eugene and Iva Louise Robertson. William was a fighter from birth. After he was born, little William (Bill) was not breathing and was left on a tray believed to be dead. When a nurse re-entered the room, she found him breathing and very well alive. Legend has it, the doctor said "looks like he's going to make it."

A happy childhood in rural Missouri sparked Bill's lifelong love of wildlife, the outdoors, and conservancy. As a child, Bill also frequently accompanied his father, who was a professional boxer and wrestler known as "The Mad Russian," on his travels. Eventually, his family returned to New Castle, IN where he graduated from Walter P. Chrysler High School in 1965. While in high school, he participated in a letterman in football, wrestling, track, and participated in cheer block. Chrysler High School is also where he met the love of his life, Jo. The two met through a mutual friend and had their first date on October 14, 1964. Their love story culminated in marriage at Holy Trinity Church in New Castle, IN on June 7, 1969.

Bill entered the United States Army in August of 1966 where he was trained as a demolition expert, deployed to Vietnam, and returned as a drill instructor at Ft. Leonard Wood (Missouri). After an honorable discharge in August of 1968, Bill held a number of jobs, including private security for a company executive during the Kansas City riots, landscaper, Glidden paint salesman, and debt collector.

After Jo completed her bachelor's degree, Bill entered college and attended Ball State University where he earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and high school administrative license. Upon attaining his teaching license, Bill worked one year for Blackford County High School, serving as assistant coach on their 1974 State Championship Football team. In 1975, Bill began teaching at Wes-Del where he taught Industrial Technology, including Construction, Drafting, Woodworking, and Shop Math. In addition to teaching, Bill coached wrestling, football, and track. His successful coaching career resulted in his induction in the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame and Indiana State Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also was named Conference Coach of the Year 18 times. Bill retired from teaching in 2007 but continued coaching for many more years.

Bill was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Muncie, IN) where he ushered, served on the Church Council, and could often be seen assisting Jo with her altar guild duties. He spent much of his retirement caring for his grandsons who were the apples of his eye. Bill looked forward to Jeopardy every night at 7:30 which earned him the moniker of Dr. Google. Bill loved the Hallmark channel, fried chicken, finding deals, stargazing, meteor showers,

watching wildlife from his dining room window, finding creative ways to recycle, and had recently discovered a love of watercolor painting which he shared with Jo.

It is impossible to encapsulate Bill in a brief biography. Bill was the embodiment of a warrior – loyal, strong, and a fighter. He will be remembered as a man of integrity and high principles who held himself and those around him to a standard of excellence yet was deeply compassionate and empathetic. Bill inspired us to step into our potential which sometimes only he could see. He will also be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, endless support of those he loved, helpfulness, and grateful nature.

His coaching record was 403-132-2 at Wes-Del and was head coach at Wes-Del 1975-2007 and 2017-2019. He had 13 team Conference Championships, 1 Delaware County Wrestling Championship, 1 ECIC Championship, 9 Team Sectional Championships, 16 Qualifiers to the Indiana State Wrestling Tournament, 4 place finishers, Named Conference Coach of the Year 18 times. Also served as Assistant Varsity Football coach from 1976-2018 and Assistant Varsity Track coach at Wes-Del from more than 30 years. Served as an Assistant Varsity Football Coach for the 1974 Blackford High School State Championship Team. Was inducted into the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame and inducted into the Indiana State Wrestling Hall of Fame. Indiana Wrestling lost a true legend this weekend. A true class act, who loved his wrestlers like they were his own.

He is survived by his wife of 20,608 days, his daughters Dr. Kris (Brad) Robertson Street of Opelika, AL and Dr. Amy (Sam) Robertson-Bullen of Muncie, IN/Seattle, WA/Wellington, NZ; grandsons Bobby, Will, and Nate Street of Opelika, AL and John Thomas Searfoss of Muncie, IN; daughter of the heart, Amy Cullum; aunt Aldorise Robertson of Mobile, AL; sister-in-law Debbie Bell (New Castle, IN); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews and a host surrogate sons, friends, former students, and colleagues.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Louise; infant daughter Elizabeth Anne; his siblings, Jerry Robertson, John Robertson, Marylin McCaffery,H and Frank Robertson; Circuit Court Judge Hubert P. Robertson (Mobile, AL); brothers-in-law M. G. Bell and Danny Bell (both of New Castle, IN); a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at the IU Ball Memorial CICU, particularly his nurse, Sean and Dr. Rajeev Mehta who gave Bill five extra years after a near-death battle with Covid.

The family will be receiving visitors from 2pm-6pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Meeks Mortuary Mt. Pleasant Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 2pm in the Wes-Del High School Gymnasium. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to perform an act of kindness in Coach's name. Coach Robertson was one in a billion and will be missed beyond words.