William K Wampler, 91, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, at Miller's Health and Rehab in La Porte.
He was born November 2nd, 1932, in Michigan City to Russell and Mildred (Watkins) Wampler and lived in La Porte and Crown Point, IN. He married Phyllis (Pam) Millbern in Kokomo on December 19th, 1954, who preceded him in death on May 18th, 2017.
Bill was the owner of several businesses throughout his life. For 25 years he was a distributor of Phillips 66 petroleum products. In 1978 he founded Perf-A-Lawn of Michana a lawn care company for LaPorte, Porter, & St. Joseph counties. In 1984 he bought McLauglin Golf and Ball Co. in Crown Point which manufactured golf balls for several of the leading sporting goods companies. He then founded Illiana Grinding and Machine, Inc. in Merrillville and subsequently sold that business to the employees. He began a career in commercial real estate that spanned 16 years. Bill served as an air traffic controller for the United States Air Force in Tacoma, WA. where they used the first computer to communicate with others. By using the computer to communicate they were able to guide the President's plane in for a safe landing.
Bill was a past Exalted Ruler of the La Porte Elks B.P.O.E. #396, a Director on the Board of the La Porte Bank & Trust, a member of the Jaycees of which he organized the initial popular US Air Force flyover to start the 4th of July Parade. He served on the first La Porte County Park Board. Bill graduated from La Porte High School in 1951 and graduated from Indiana University in 1955 with a BS in Business and was a Delta Upsilon Fraternity member. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, playing bridge, and flying his Cessna 182. Bill was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and also the La Porte Hospital Patient Advocate Program. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of La Porte for many years.
William was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
Surviving are his children Teri (Robert) Singer of Ponte Verdra, FL; Marcia (Clyde) Brodhacker of La Porte; and David (Sheila) Wampler of Conifer, CO; along with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and special Jane Stephani.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN. A life celebration will be held on Friday, April 12th at 1 PM at the United Methodist Church of La Porte. Cremation is taking place.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church 1225 Michigan Ave, La Porte, IN 46350 for the sound system fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
