William Howard Templeton

William Howard Templeton went to be with his Lord on February 17, 2026 from his home in Robin Run Village in Indianapolis. Bill was the husband of Jacqueline (Davies) Templeton for sixty-five years until her death in 2018. He was born to Howard Kelso and Hazel (Webster) Templeton in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on June 10, 1928. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton.

Bill was a devoted family man and husband. His self-sacrificial care for Jackie during her final illnesses served as an example to those who knew him. He is survived by his children: Karen Templeton-Somers (Scott), William Templeton (Linda) and Jeffrey Templeton (Susan). He has eight surviving grandchildren: Libby, William, Evan, Ben, Kate, Carrie, David and Becky. His grandson Jeff preceded him in death. He also has fourteen great-grandchildren: Mia, Emery, Hans, Benjamin, William, Ezra, Zack, Jack, Levi, Virginia, Hazel, Max, Vivian and Charlotte.

Bill graduated from Muskingum College (Ohio) in 1949. He and Jackie started dating just before he joined the army and were married on March 21, 1953, immediately after his return from service in the Korean War. After a number of years as an accountant in the steel industry, Bill obtained his Ph.D. in economics from Case Western Reserve University. Starting in 1965, he taught economics at Findlay College (Ohio) for twelve years before joining the college’s administration as Vice-President of Business Affairs. In 1979, he and Jackie moved to Indianapolis after he accepted the position of Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Butler University, a position he held until his retirement in 1993.

Bill was active in his community, serving on several non-profit boards and as a city councilman in Findlay, Ohio. He and Jackie were members of Methodist and Presbyterian churches wherever they lived, most recently at Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis. He and Jackie also loved watching sports, especially the Butler Bulldogs. He stayed active and was a competitive racquetball player well into his seventies. His family will always remember him as a kind and funny man, but also one who was reserved and private. Bill did not talk a lot, but when he did, people listened.

Bill was dearly loved by family and friends and will be missed by many. A celebration of life service honoring Bill will be held at 1:30 on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in the Sweeney Chapel of Butler University, 4250 Haughey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Passport Fund at Butler University, which supports study abroad.