William E. Bliss

William Edward Bliss, 92, passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2014. William was born on March 26th, 1921, in Gas City, Indiana, to the late Emmit O and Elizabeth Bliss. He graduated from Central High School in 1939 and then served in the US Army in North Africa and Normandy in World War II. Upon discharge, he attended Tri-State University on the GI Bill and majored in Automotive Engineering, graduating in 1949. He worked as the Chief Engineer of the Medium Weight Chassis Division at International Harvester Company for 28 years and earned several patents before retiring in 1978. He married his soul mate, Elizabeth Jane Lohman, on March 4, 1950 at Forest Park Methodist Church in Fort Wayne. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Elizabeth’s death on July 30, 2010. William is survived by daughters Laura Roman of Fishers and Denise Bliss of Noblesville, grandchildren Sarah (Joe) Arbuckle, Garrett Waite, Tyler Roman (fiancée Kylie Thompson), Nicholas Waite, Chad Peyron, Haley Peyron, and great granddaughters Cecelia Jane and Violet Kathleen Arbuckle. He is also survived by a brother, Gaylord “Andy” Bliss, and two sisters Donna Hoy and Barbara Ann Howell. Brother Francis James Bliss and sister Betty L. Whiting preceded him in death.

William was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge of Ft. Wayne and was active in the Shrine foot patrol for more than 60 years. He spent much of his life as an avid golfer. He and his dear Elizabeth raised and showed Chihuahuas for more than 40 years. They had many Champions and participated in dog shows throughout the states. Bill was a lifetime member of the Chihuahua Club of America. He volunteered for many years at Lutheran Hospital. William left an impact on many with his friendly nature, but his greatest gift was to his family to whom he was devoted. He earned the nickname “Popeye” when he first became a grandparent and that name has stuck with him for his family, and friends. His last few weeks were spent in Fishers, IN with his family.

After Elizabeth’s death, Bill was reacquainted with his junior high school friend, Betty Lorenz and they enjoyed church, cards, and “happy hour” together.

In 2010, Popeye had the opportunity to re-visit Normandy, France, where he served in WWll, with his grandson, Chad. He was interviewed as the first returning veteran for the development of a new museum at the dirigible hanger where he serviced tanks and armament. Popeye also recently participated in the Honor Flight – and visited the monuments of Washington DC. William was always proud of his service to our country.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Visiting hours are Friday, January 31 from 5:00 – 7:00pm and Saturday, February 1 from 12:30 -1:30p. Funeral services will be conducted by his nephew Rev. David Bliss at 1:30pm on February 1, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46808.