William E. (Bill) Bales, 88, of Redkey, Indiana, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at his residence.

Bill was born in Farmland, Indiana, on Feb. 14, 1934, a son of the late Thelma S. (Dotson) and Leroy Bales. Bill was a 1952 graduate of Redkey High School, formerly worked in assembly for Warner Gear and was a devoted local farmer who specialized in agriculture and livestock.

He was the loving husband of Lois E. (Miller) Bales who he happily married on March 6, 1953, and sadly lost on April 14, 2022. Bill was a 60 year member of the F&AM halfway lodge Redkey and Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne, enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, vacations with his family, basketball, feeding birds, his cats and supporting his kids and grandkids sporting events and activities.

He was a very handy and hard working man who loved volunteering for 4-H and community activities and helping his family in any way he could.

Bill is survived by two sons, Greg Bales (Shirley) and Steve Bales (Jodie); two daughters, Janet Bales (Brad) and Susan Peterson (John); 12 grandchildren, Brandon, Lindsay, Myschon, Tyler, Logan, Emily, Jenna, Meghan, Nick, Brent, Kristen and Lauren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Lois; three brothers, Roy Bales Jr., Richard Bales and Darrell Bales; and three sisters, Betty Botts, Edith Wood and Ruth Myers.

Friends are invited to call Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, from 11 to 1 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Craig Cotherman officiating. Burial will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery in Redkey, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel.