William G. Gwaltney

William “Bill” Gwaltney, 83, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, after an extended illness at St. Vincent Anderson Regional.

He was born December 27, 1931, in Anderson, the son of the late Prince and Thelma (Neese) Gwaltney. He was a design engineer for fire trucks, serving as chief engineer for Howe Fire Apparatus. Bill was a lifelong resident of Anderson and grew up as part of the Meadowbrook Mafia. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1950 and entered the Navy in 1953. He was commissioned a naval aviator, with 173 carrier landings. He retired as an officer in 1973 from the Naval Reserve. For seventy years he was involved with Boy Scouts, particularly Troop 301 and had OA Vigil Honors and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver. He had been a member of the Madison County Industrial Management Club and was president in 1968, and also a member of the Madison County Coin Club and St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

He enjoyed woodworking, was a fan of the Colts, Indiana University and volunteering at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital. He loved the holidays when he could spend time playing games with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian (Kolenda) Gwaltney; children, Tony (Connie) Gwaltney, Patrick (Amy) Gwaltney, Adam (Tana) Gwaltney, Suzanne (Nathan) Bell, Theresa (Rick) Hayes, and Paul (CG Harper) Gwaltney; grandchildren, Ryan, Chris (Ashley), James (Lakeisha), Keith, and Jordan Gwaltney; Audrey Harper-Gwaltney, Brandon (Amber Smith) and Ross Malone, Nicolette, Garrett, Weston, Quinton and Simon Bell, Justine and Preston Harper and Tyler Loftis; great-grandchildren, Aurelia Gwaltney, Aden Gwaltney, Erika and Emalie Smith; sisters, Marilyn McKelvey and Ellen Bales; and brothers, Jim (Laura) Gwaltney and Don (Ginny) Gwaltney.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Gwaltney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Saturday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Post 266.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Friday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2801 Lincoln St., Anderson, IN 46016 or to St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Vincent Anderson.