William R. "Bill" Bledsoe

William R. “Bill” Bledsoe, 93, a resident of New Castle passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. He was born October 2, 1931 in New Castle to the late Elick and Lola (Meadows) Bledsoe.

Bill graduated from New Castle High School class of 1950 with honors. Soon afterwards, he married the love of his life, Dorothy (McMillan) Bledsoe on June 22, 1952. A veteran of the US Army, he served in Germany as a military Police Officer during the Korean War. Bill started working at Chrysler Corp. as an apprentice in the tool room, eventually becoming the assistant plant manager. He enjoyed teaching management classes to Chrysler plants around the United States, retiring after 37 years of service.

Bill grew up with a passion for guns. He designed and built the “Bledsoe Blaster” which is a specialized gun for silhouette shooting and was featured in a national gun magazine. Bill also enjoyed repairing guns and was an expert marksman, winning multiple awards and trophies. Additionally, he was also a National Pistol Champion. Bill loved fishing and hunting, having made several trips to Africa for big game hunting, collecting a considerable amount of trophy mounts.

Bill and Dorothy loved riding motorcycles and toured all over America, Europe, Canada and Nova Scotia. He liked to brag that they had ridden over 500,000 miles on their motorcycles. Bill was dedicated to serving the community and spent numerous hours volunteering for various organizations. He received several citations from the Governor of Indiana for his volunteer work and was honored as volunteer of the year for the YMCA. Bill believed in fitness and could be found several days a week at the YMCA working out. As a member of the YMCA board, he was instrumental in the building and oversight of the new YMCA.

A master woodworker, Bill made most of the furniture in the house and enjoyed making toys and furniture for the YMCA children’s area. Bill could be found at the “Fun” Park checking the equipment for safety and making the needed repairs. Bill had the upmost respect for the law enforcement officers of New Castle. He teamed up with the Elks Club to present the officer of the year award, donating guns from his own personal collection. Bill brought the crime-stoppers program to the New Castle are and he especially enjoyed dressing up as “Captain Crime-stopper” for parades and school classrooms.

Bill founded the Henry County Association for Retarded Children, later known as Henry County Association for Retarded Citizens. He opened the first sheltered workshop in New Castle, known as Raintree Industries, partnering with Chrysler Corp to create jobs there.

Survivors include a daughter: Cathy (Dennis) Dobbs of New Castle, a son: Bob (Sara) Bledsoe of Florida; grandchildren: Hannah and Joshua Dobbs of New Castle; Cory, Lauren and Jeremy Bledsoe of Florida; brother: Jack Bledsoe of Dayton, OH and a special nephew: Greg Bledsoe.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (McMillan) Bledsoe in 2018; two sons: Mike and John Bledsoe, sister: Carol Jones and sister-in-law: Elaine Bledsoe  

Services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Mark Herbkersman officiating Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Military rites will be conducted by contingents of the US Army, American Legion and the VFW. Visitation will be from 12 noon until time of the service on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County YMCA in care of the Henry County Community Foundation, 700 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share memories of Bill at www.hinsey-brown.com.