William R Gaither

William Gaither passed away Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2016, at Community Howard Regional Health. William was born to Clifford and Kathlyn (Stickel) in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from Western High School of Kokomo with the class of 1963. William was a member of the Freemasons New London Lodge 283, The Ibn Saud Grotto of Kokomo and also the Beulahland Church of Sharpsville. William was an avid competition body builder and also enjoyed working on cars and lawnmowers.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. William had worked at G.M. Delco for 30 years before his retirement. William met the love of his life Starta Rust and they married June 25, 1967. They raised three children. He is survived by daughters, Emily Schrock and friend Kevin Clason, Kathy Tragesser and Patty (Robert Thiemrodt; grandchildren, Samantha and Cory Schrock, Ashley and Ryan Tragesser; sister, Jane (Richard) Read; sisters-in-law, Melissa (Jim) Wilson and Penny Hales; brother-in-law, Trent Rust; and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2907 W. Alto Road. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2106, at the funeral home, with Pastor Lori Melton officiating. Visitation also will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery with full military honors.

The family's preferred memorial is to Beulahland Church, 6569 N. 400 West, Sharpsville, IN 46068 in Williams's memory. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Community Howard Regional Health for the wonderful care and love they provided for William. To leave condolences, go to www.dignitymemorial.com/sunset-memory-garden-funeral-home.