William R. Boatman was born in Shepardsville, IN in 1942 to Ralph and Josephine Boatman, one of seven children including Ronnie, Jackie, Jerry, Virgina, Donald and Margaret Ann.

Bill graduated from Fayette High School in New Goshen, IN at 18 years of age. Within six months, Bill joined the U.S. Air Force, spending a year of that time on the security service and spent three years on the flight line in the country of France. During his time off, Bill played baseball, pitching and having the time of his life. When Bill recalled his time in the military, he remembers first and foremost the days he spent playing ball. Bill and his teammates played baseball in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, England, and Greece. Even after completing his time in the U.S. Airforce, Bill continued playing fast-pitch softball for the Melody Inn. Bill said the guys he played against liked him, but the umpires did not.

Josephine passed in 1963 and Ralph passed in 1973 as the result of a construction accident. After his time in the military, Bill lived with his dad and stepmother Ruby. It was at this time that he met his stepmother’s niece, Angelea Ellen Evans. In 1968, Bill and Ann married and had two kids: William R. Jr. (Michelle) and Kristina Marie (Brandon). Bill and Ann have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

During his career, Bill worked for a year at Bemis and for 2 years at Tepak (Danville, IL). Western Southern enjoyed Bill’s dedication for two years before Bill spent 35 years at Hercules/Applied Extrusion Technology. Hercules sent Bill to Ivy Tech to train as an electrician. Before long, Bill worked his way up to be an “A” electrician (the top of the heap).

Bill enjoyed genealogy, Cardinals baseball, bread baking, and woodworking. The 1997 Mazda Miata in his garage testifies to his love of restoring classic cars. Bill was always helping someone with something. It is how he lived his life.

Bill passed this life on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after struggling with the difficulties stemming from his time on the flight line in the military. We will long remember his humor, his generosity, and his enduring love.

Visitation will be at Emmanuel United Methodist Church (6076 US 150 West Terre Haute) on Monday December 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ronald Branson officiating followed by military honors. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emmanuel Methodist Church Building Fund or Habitat for Humanity in memory of Bill.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com.