W.P. "Bill" Lingle

RICHMOND, Ind. – W. P. “Bill” Lingle died January 2, 2009, at Arbor Trace Rehabilitation Center. He was 94 years old. He was born on October 28, 1914, in Edon, Ohio, and was the second son of William Clayton and Christina Zeeb Lingle. He married June Dunn from Waterloo, Indiana, on June 21, 1936, and in his earlier years worked with his father at the Lingle Coal Yard in Edon. In 1950, the family moved to Richmond and Bill opened the three Dairy Queen stores that are still operating today. Bill got into the real estate business in 1958 and founded Lingle Real Estate in 1959. He was active in the real estate community for over 40 years, a 70 year member of the Masonic Lodge in Edon and an active member for over 50 years of First English Lutheran Church. June and Bill had four children who survive them: Gary and his longtime partner Sheila Wilson, Paul and his wife Pat, Christie Close and her husband Max, and Bill and his wife Kim. His seven grandchildren brought him much joy: Julie Lingle Gardner and her husband Phil of Missoula, Montana, Laurie Lingle Luth and her husband Thorn of Denver, Colorado, Sarah Close Benza of Cincinnati, Jacob Close and his wife Tory of Springboro, Ohio, Whitney Lingle, William Lingle and Hank Lingle. He also loved being a great-granddaddy to his nine great-granddaughters: Stella, Lorraine and Mabel Gardner, Audrey and Charlotte Luth, Amelia and Cecilia Benza, and June and Avery Close. Bill is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and one very loving and loyal friend, Mary K. Reitenour, who has become a special member of his family. June and Bill were married almost 64 years when she died on April 2, 2000. She could not have had a better caretaker during the last challenging years of her life. He was preceded in death by his brother, Marion Lingle. Bill’s last outing was to attend the dedication of the Lingle Auditorium at the new Reid Hospital. It was a wonderful occasion for him. Bill had often said that no one could have had a better life than he. And we could not have had a better father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. We’ll miss him. The family would like to express their appreciation for the care Bill received during his stays at Reid Hospital and also the wonderful care from the staff at Arbor Trace during the past 16 months. Visitation for W. P. “Bill” Lingle will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009, at First English Lutheran Church, 2727 National Road East, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2009 at First English Lutheran Church with Rev. John Walker and Rev. Brian Derrer officiating. Burial will be in Lutherania Cemetery. Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church, 2727 National Road East, Richmond, IN 47374 or Reid Hospital Foundation, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374.

W.P. "Bill" Lingle

October 28, 1914 - January 2, 2009