William "Bill" Bader, 81, of Rockford, passed away at 4:35 p.m. June 26, 2014, at The Laurels of Shane Hill.

He was born December 19, 1932, in Liberty Township, to Edward and Florence (Martz) Bader. On Dec. 1, 1956, he married Edith Bricher, who survives.

Other survivors are three sons and a daughter, Stan (Sue) Bader, Van Wert, Doug (Carolyn) Bader, St. Marys, Greg Bader, Rockford, and Lori (Jeff) Helm, Ohio City; a sister, Carol (Orville) Eischen, Celina; and five grandchildren, Damian Helm, Haley Helm, Evan Bader, Lauren Coffey and Morgan Coffey.

Deceased is a son, Danny; sisters, Wanda Deitsch and Mary Bader; and brothers, Robert and Larry Bader.

He was a lifelong resident of the Rockford area. He graduated from Rockford High School and started working at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in St. Marys. He was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to Goodyear and was able to work there for 44 years until his retirement in 1995.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Liberty Township, where he was a member of the dartball team for many years. He could be found at one of many baseball and softball fields in the area. He was not only an avid fan but also coached many young people in the fine art of baseball during their farm and Little League careers. He loved to play as well as coach, participating in slow-pitch softball in the Celina and Willshire areas. He was a member of Rockford American Legion Post #508 and St. Marys Eagles #767.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Liberty Township, the Rev. Sharon Stonerock officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Rockford Recreation Association.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.