Bill Wiles

   William “Bill” Edward Wiles, 55, of San Marcos, TX, and formerly of LaPorte, died Thursday, April 1, 2010, at his home following a six-month illness.

   He was born Jan. 23, 1955.

   Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1972 through 1975. Most people knew Bill from his musical talents, especially the guitar. He was often called “South Bend Billy” and had played in several bands, with the blues being his favorite influence. Bill was employed at Haverstock Funeral Home in LaPorte for many years before moving to Texas. While in Texas, he worked for Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Austin.

   Bill is survived by his loving wife, Joi Wiles of San Marcos, TX; daughters, Abby (Wiles) Domonkos and husband, Sam, and LuAnn Wiles, all of Mishawaka, IN; his parents, Robert and Lee Wiles; two brothers, Robert (Verna) Wiles and Jeff Wiles, all of LaPorte; sister, Wendy (Bobby) Clark of Sarasota, FL; stepchildren, Cherri Smith of San Marcos and Zachery Goad of San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Jayden Noelle Smith of San Marcos; and several nieces and nephews.

   Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents and niece, Dalynne Marie Wiles.

   Bill was loved by many and will always be remembered in our hearts. A memorial gathering celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with his good friend Dave Lowery officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the service. A military service will be conducted by the LaPorte Honor Guard.

   There will also be a memorial jam session starting at 8 p.m., Saturday, June 19, at the Warehouse, 303 Brighton St., LaPorte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

   Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.