Billy P. Sightes, of LaPorte, IN, a loving husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and great-grandpa, passed away peacefully at his home on April 25th, 2023 at the age of 91.
Billy, also known as Bill, was born in Maple Springs, Arkansas on February 13th, 1932 to Fred and Marie Sightes. On July 22nd, 1967, he married Carla and together they had two sons, Pat and Bill. They were two of the most important parts of his life.
Billy served in the US Marine Corps from 1951-1954 and is a Korean War veteran. Bill received his Bachelor's degree from Harding University and his Master’s degree from Arkansas State University. He taught at Union Township School in LaPorte County, IN before retiring from teaching after 20 years in a classroom at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, IN. Among many of his successes, Billy was the founder of the internet-based organization, the Coalition for the Restoration of Parental Rights, which was successful in challenging a case before the Indiana Supreme Court.
Bill was cherished by many. He loved holidays and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his evening brandy, Westerns, and the many dogs he owned during his lifetime. Whether throwing a Lone Ranger viewing party for his grandsons, complete with homemade masks, or carving a wooden replacement for his granddaughters’ beloved lost toy, Billy spent his golden years in his favorite role-that of a grandfather. No one has ever done the job better. His grandchildren will remember him for his tractor rides around the backyard, picking vegetables in the garden, his “back in the day” stories, road trips to Arkansas, and his harmonica playing. He was an amazing role model and will be missed by so many.
Billy is survived by his wife, Carla Sightes (Biege); his two children, Patrick (Anita) Sightes, and William (Sara) Sightes; grandchildren Justin (Renae) Sightes, Christian Sightes, Mitchell (Paige) Sightes, Hannah (O'Brien) Alcorn, Emily Sightes (fiance Alexander Kitcoff), and Abigail Sightes; great-grandchildren Marcella Sightes and Olivia Alcorn; and many special nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Carl and Ken; a sister, Wanda; and his parents, Fred and Marie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s name to the Jane Bernard Small Animal Shelter 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, April 28th from 10 AM until 12 Noon. A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Friday, April 28th with burial to follow at Lamb's Chapel Cemetery La Porte, IN.
Online condolences may be posted at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com
