FRANKLIN, IN.
It is with sorrow, but also tremendous gratitude, a sense of peace and pride, that we say goodbye to our father, grandfather, and great grandfather William R. Van Deman who passed away on Thursday September 2, 2021 at Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community in Franklin, IN surrounded by his family. He was born August 2, 1931 in Indianapolis, IN to Raymond Kinnear Van Deman and Clara L. (Koelliker) Van Deman. He married Carol Lucille (Holman) Van Deman, she preceded him in death on November 13, 2020 having been married a blessed 69 years.
He was a giant of a man in physical stature, in personality, in reputation, in character and in the impact he leaves behind with his family and community. Surviving are his five children Mark Van Deman and wife Susan of Champions Gate, FL, Keith Van Deman and wife Linda of Indianapolis, IN, Brian Van Deman and wife Terri of Indianapolis, IN, Todd Van Deman and wife Vanesa of Franklin, IN and Julie Rice and husband Glenn of Franklin, IN, 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and his sister Catherine Weeks of Rockville, IN. He was preceded in death by his parent and his wife.
He started his banking career at Indiana National Bank at 18 as a teller rising to an Assistant Vice President position until his move to the National Bank of Greenwood. During his career at the National Bank of Greenwood, he was involved in mortgage loan business department where he had worked with so many of Indy’s Southside and Greenwood where he had worked with many people in assisting them with their first loan when no other bank would give them a chance starting out a business and rose to Executive Vice President after taking his early retirement. He later worked in Corporate Bond Financing with Traub and Company Investments in Indianapolis.
Having served 30 plus years as trustee at the University of Indianapolis where he was awarded an honorary doctorate and serving weekly at his church Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church in Indianapolis where he was a member of the church choir, stewardship, trustees, men’s club and a former board member of the Franklin United Methodist Community. He was a former member of Sertoma, Kiwanis in downtown Indianapolis, Madison Avenue Businessmen Association and former chairman of the Mayors Breakfast for the 500 Festival. He was named Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civilian honor in the state of Indiana by then Governor Mike Pence for his lifetime of service.
A private family graveside service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Johnson County Senior Services 36 West 600 North Whiteland, IN 46184 or at www.jcseniorservices.org.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
