William Leroy Thrasher

May 9, 1939 - April 16, 2025

William Leroy Thrasher, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on May 9, 1939, in South Bend, Indiana, William was the son of the late Stanley and Arietta (Johnson) Thrasher. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Stanley “Ted” Thrasher, and his sister, Marilyn Thrasher. 

William was a proud graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School, Class of 1957, William went on to serve his country with honor. In June of 1957, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the US Edisto (AGB-2), an icebreaker ship that served in polar regions. 

William was passionate about many things in life. He was an avid collector of Jim Beam bottles and enjoyed the thrill of tennis, NASCAR, and other auto racing events. Each year, he and his family cherished their time together at the Indianapolis 500, making lasting memories at the track. 

He is survived by his children: Bill (Cindy) Thrasher of South Bend; Scott Thrasher of Louisville, KY; Kelly (Cindy) Martin of Saginaw, MI; and Sean Thrasher of Kokomo. William also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, his sister Pat Bell of South Bend, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on: Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. 

All services will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, Indiana. 

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN where William will be laid to rest with full U.S. Navy military honors, recognizing his dedicated service to our nation. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice, Mishawaka, IN. Donations can be made online at: https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/ 

4/22/2025 djb

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