William "Bill" Wrightsman

William R. “Bill” Wrightsman

DUNKIRK, IN—

William Robert “Bill” Wrightsman, 62, well-known Jackson Township farmer, passed away late Monday afternoon, May 30, 2022, in IU Health Blackford Hospital after becoming ill in his tractor, planting beans.

Bill was born in Portland, Indiana on April 12, 1960, to Charles Robert and A. Marie (Thornton) Wrightsman, but lived most of his life in rural Blackford County, graduating from Blackford High School, class of 1978.

He spent his earlier years as a glass glazier, for area glass companies. However, his love of farming, to which he spent his entire life, was what he did to the very end.

His family left behind, include his life partner, Christine Kelly; sisters: Diana (Dan) Smith of Bluffton and Nancy Chism of Washington State.; his former daughter-in-law Erica (Charlie) Boggs; uncle & aunt: Harvey and Mary Kay Thornton of Portland; an aunt: Barbara Thornton of Marion, IN; niece: Melissa (Jeff) Wass; nephews:  Travis (Trisha Elston) Smith, Dustin Smith, Landon (Katherine) Smith, Lucas Chism, Kevin Brett Smith and Rob Smith. Several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and a great-great-nephew also survive.

In addition to his parents, Bill is also preceded in death by his son, Justin M. Wrightsman on Feb. 22, 2014; his sister, Sandra Smith; grandparents:  Jim and Esther Wrightsman and Harvey and Hattie Thornton, Sr.; as well as an uncle, Jerry Wrightsman; uncle and aunt: Fred & Catherine Wrightsman and an aunt & uncle: Wilma and Jesse Mills, Sr.

Memorial visitation for friends and family will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Waters Funeral Home 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please contribute in Bill’s memory to the Blackford County 4-H, c/o the Purdue Extension Office, 111 W. Washington St., Hartford City, IN 47348.

Online condolences may be sent to Bill’s family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com

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