William Elliott, known to most as “Bill,” passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne at 1:32 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. He was 78 years old and a resident of rural Sidney.
Born on Feb. 24, 1940, in West Prestonsburg, Ky., Bill was the son of Orval and Mary Belle Stephens Elliott. He was one of seven children raised in the Elliott family home. The family moved to Kosciusko County when Bill was 15 years old.
On July 16, 1974, Bill was married to Dorothy L. Cremeens in Virginia. Their friendship turned romance lasted for nearly 50 years before Dorothy’s 2016 passing. Together they shared five children, 19 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Bill worked as a machinist for Dana-Weatherhead, retiring in 1994. Although retired, he had farmed throughout his life; he raised everything from traditional livestock to quail, peacocks and other exotic animals.
He was known for his love of auctions and swap meets. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially if it was to watch his grandchildren play.
Ornery and kind at the same time, Bill could tease someone and selflessly help them simultaneously. He was a good friend, a hard worker and a kind person who never knew a stranger.
Those who survive with memories to treasure include his five children: Tari Sue (Patrick) Blocher of Warsaw, Brian (Melissa) Grindle of Oswego, William (Tana) Elliott Jr. of Claypool, Bobbi (Jerry) Wood of Milford and Amy (Charles) Bradley of Claypool; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and three siblings: Anna Blair of Warsaw, James (Glenda) Elliott of Silver Lake and Tom Elliott of Hoffman Lake.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, he was preceded in death by brothers John Elliott (2013) and Henry Elliott (2012), and by sister Linda Justice (2017).
Friends will join together for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw.
A funeral service, officiated by the Rev. William Whitaker of Warsaw Family Worship Center, will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sidney Cemetery.
