TERRE HAUTE – Stewart William “Bill” Volkers, 71, passed away June 11, 2011, at University Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born Dec. 2, 1939, in Terre Haute, to Stewart Wilbur and Irene Garver Volkers. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Volkers. He married Carolyn Sparks, who survives.TERRE HAUTE – Stewart William “Bill” Volkers, 71, passed away June 11, 2011, at University Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born Dec. 2, 1939, in Terre Haute, to Stewart Wilbur and Irene Garver Volkers. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Volkers. He married Carolyn Sparks, who survives. He earned degrees in physics from Indiana State University. He moved to Williamson, N.Y., in 1964 and worked for Xerox Corp. for more than 30 years as an engineer, receiving more than a half-dozen patents. He also was a long-time volunteer at the Pultneyville (N.Y.) Fire Co. He moved back to Terre Haute in 1998. He loved thick steaks, lake sunsets, sports cars and fireworks. He loved to design and build buildings, remote-control airplanes and even robots for his grandson. He spent many weekends at Winona Lake with his family, where he waterskied, fished, shot off fireworks and played with his grandchildren. He cooked a mean pancake, was always in charge of the remote control and had the driest sense of humor this side of the Mississippi. He is, and will be, missed. Also surviving are two daughters, Nancy Volkers (and spouse Matthew) Taylor, Fairfax, Vt., and Mary Volkers (and Tracy Quin), Milwaukee; four sons, Brian (and spouse Paula) Dillion; Doug (and spouse Terri); Scott (and spouse Stephanie); and Gregg (and spouse Chrissy), all of Terre Haute; grandchildren: Sascha and Zoe Taylor, Fairfax; and Nathan, Ben, Olivia, Douglas, Laniee, Kennidy, Callista and Carson, all of Terre Haute; two brothers Frank (and spouse Janet) and Jack (and spouse Carol) Volkers; and a sister, Janice (and spouse Jerrold) Nelson; and his canine companion, Bonnie. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Drive, Terre Haute. with his brother, Jack Volkers, and niece, Anastasia Fritz, officiating. Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society, 1811 S. Fruitridge Ave. Terre Haute, IN 47803. Condolences may be sent via www.debaunfuneralhomes.com
