NOBLESVILLE
Bill Etherton, 87 of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Riverwalk Village in Noblesville.
Born on March 12, 1930 in Mishawaka, IN, Bill attended Wabash College. He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division in 1951-52. Later, he was a Marine Corps League chaplain for eight years.
After serving in the Army, Bill realized his childhood dream of being a sportscaster. He would go on to become the sports director at WNDU-TV in South Bend, producing both radio and television broadcasts. Bill was the football and basketball voice for his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish for 15 years during the 60s and early 70s. He also called countless high school football and basketball games over the years, including the 1954 Indiana high school boys basketball state championship game, upon which the movie Hoosiers was based.
Bill was involved in numerous community organizations. He served as the vice president for the Indianapolis Big Brothers program. He was also a member of the American Legion Honor Guard and the Masonic Lodge. In 2016, Bill was awarded with the 50 Year Award of Gold by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Indiana.
Bill recounted many of his fascinating life experiences and encounters in his 2015 book, Good Night and Good Sports.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Jodie Etherton. He is also survived by his daughter, Linda Hopkins, and many friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Bill and Scott.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25 at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 W. Main St, Greenfield, IN, 46140. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and will be followed by the service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Bill Etherton Memorial Fund. Checks should be made payable to Jodie Etherton and can be mailed to the Stillinger Family Funeral Home at the address above. Contributions can also be made to the Bill Etherton Memorial Fund at GoFundMe.com.
