WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
William Ralph Bigger, age 77, of Howe, Ind., passed away Monday evening, Feb. 15, 2010, at the Parkview LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange, Ind.
He was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Moline, Ill., a son to Floyd and Josephine Bigger.
Bill had resided in Olney, Texas for 27 years and returned to the Sturgis and Howe area in 1988.
On Aug 23, 1974, he married to Delores M. Chamberlain in Vernon, Texas. She died March 23, 2004. On Feb. 22, 2008, he married Evelyn (Cross) Persing in Centreville.
Bill was a truck driver by trade, a job he truly enjoyed.
He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He loved his teacup Chihuahua Sassy also known as “Killer.”
He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn; step-daughter, Jan Taylor of Olney, Texas; several grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; two sisters, Betty Jo and Beatrice; and two brothers, James and Everett.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of William Bigger will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. The Rev. Michael Wicks of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis will officiate. Full Military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Marcellus Cemetery in Marcellus.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Bigger’s memory consider the charity of one’s choice.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
