FRANKLIN
William O. “Bill” Canary, 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 at his residence in Franklin.
He was born on March 25th, 1932 in Franklin, Indiana to Paul and Elsie (Townsend) Canary. He married F. Arlene Rhodes on July 18th, 1954. Bill is survived by their four children, Charles (Becky) Canary; Mark (Brenda) Canary; Robert (Janet) Canary and Belinda (Fred) Williams; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Jeff) Bright, John (Amanda) Canary, Scott (Holly) Williams, Emily (Tom) Brodbeck, Grant Canary, Sarah Williams and Paul Canary; five great-grandchildren, Addison Bright, Charles Canary, Amelia Canary, Allie Brodbeck and Miley Williams and one sister, Martha (J. Homer) Compton and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his parents, his wife Arlene on May 26th, 2008, his sister, Betty and brother-in-law, Joseph Campbell.
He was a 1950 graduate of Franklin High School. He also was a graduate of Purdue Agricultural Winter Short course in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Bill was a lifelong Johnson County Farmer. Bill, Arlene and their family were recognized as Johnson County Farm Family in 2000 and also received the Indiana State Fair Masters Award in 2002.
He was a member and faithful servant of Union Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and Trustee and was the church’s Historian. In his earlier years, he enjoyed participating with his father Paul in Livestock shows, both locally and nationally. He and Arlene were 4-H leaders for the Hopewell Boys 4-H Club for over twenty-five years and were recognized as Outstanding 4-H Leaders.
He was a Past President of the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Association and a past board member of Johnson County Farm Bureau Inc. Bill helped organize the Purdue Agricultural Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair in 1964 and continued as dairy curator and exhibitor.
He especially enjoyed collecting and exhibiting dairy memorabilia. He enjoyed all things Purdue, playing cards, and attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events.
The Rev. W. Allen Whitehurst will conduct a celebration of Bill’s life on Monday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. Friends may call on Sunday, January 21st from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson County 4-H Star Fund, c/o Johnson County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 217, Franklin, Indiana 46131 and/or to the Union Christian Church Capital Fund, 1331 E. 300 South, Franklin, Indiana 46131.
Online condolences may be received at <a href="http://www.flinnmaguire.net">www.flinnmaguire.net</a>
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