William C. “Bill” Peden, 92, Marion, died at 9:36 a.m., on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Colonial Oaks Health Care Center. He was born in Jay County, Ind., to the late Glenn and Velma (Disher) Peden. On Aug. 8, 1943, Bill married DeLana K. Southard; she preceded him in death on Sept. 1, 2006.
Bill earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ball State University, and is an Army veteran. He served during WWII in Rhineland and central Europe. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Bill worked as a teacher at Marion High School. During his career as an educator, he also served as a head basketball coach, teacher, and school administrator at many high schools across Indiana including: Redkey, Seymour, Bloomfield, Crothersville, Nappanee, Wabash, Greenfield, Staunton and Eastside schools. He was project coordinator for the first Habitat for Humanity home built in Grant County, was a driver for Meals on Wheels, volunteered at Marion General Hospital and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Marin. Bill was also a former member of the Lion’s Club, Masonic Lodge, American Legion and Methodist Men. He was a very avid sports fan and truly loved coaching sports throughout his life.
He is survived by his children, Doug (Jackie) Peden, Denver, Colo.., Greg (Cindy) Peden, Marion, Alexis Goebel, Valparaiso, Ind. and Diane (Charlie) Waterhouse, Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandchildren, Tim, Stephanie, Melissa, Keith, Amanda, Adam, Allison, Alex and Mackenzie; five great- grandchildren; sister, Gene (Chuck) McNeely, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with his loving wife, DeLana, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wanda LeMaster Morehous.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014 at the funeral home. Services for Bill will be at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave. Marion, IN 46952 with Pastor Tom Ream officiating. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Marion, 624 S. Adams St. Marion, IN. 46953 or Marion General Hospital, 441 N. Wabash Ave. Marion, IN. 46952.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.
