William F. "Bill" Connelly, 83, LaGrange, IN, passed away on Saturday, November 25, in Fort Wayne after a lengthy illness.

Bill was born on June 27, 1940, in Sturgis, Michigan. He was the oldest of nine children born to Harold and Ruth (Beaty) Connelly.

He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1958. He was the Valedictorian of his class.

Bill was a life-long resident of LaGrange with the exception of two years spent in Colorado.

Bill was the Publisher of the LaGrange Standard and News for 55 years. He purchased The Middlebury Independent and Waddell Printing in 1979.

He was committed to the community and was involved in numerous organizations including President of the Indiana State Press Association, 50-year member of the Meridian Sun Lodge F&AM, #76, a 50-year member of the Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, a 50-year member of the Mizpah Shrine and LaGrange County Shrine Club, a 50-year member of the LaGrange Chamber of Commerce, and a 30+ year Volunteer Fireman and 1st Responder.

He was the Clay Township Trustee, President of Corn School for many years, founding member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Stroh, LaGrange Lions Club. He served on the Community Foundation Board and was involved in and donated to many other boards and organizations.

Bill was awarded the LaGrange County Citizen of the year in 2007 and carried the State of Indiana Bi-Centennial torch in 2016 and was awarded the BEACON Award for his contributions and impact on student education in 2018.

Bill was an avid lover of horses as witnessed by his farm on the edge of town with Belgian horses and his 50+ years of attending the Kentucky Derby.

Bill is survived by his wife, Charlette Glick-Connelly; three daughters, Pam (Ron) Castle, Teresa (Jerry) Shell and Christine (Scott) Brinkman; two stepsons, Marty Glick and companion, Kim Yoder and Monty Glick; nine grandchildren, Adam, Michelle, Ashley, Emily, Travis, Lisa, Austin, Adison, Avery; and eight great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Marlene Miller; seven siblings, Allen (Becky) Connelly, Evelyn (Gary) Soblotne, Marilyn (Jim) Poss, James (Cindy) Connelly, Janet (Lynn) Lubke, Jackie (David) Zarate, Elaine (Dick) Zach; a sister-in-law, Lois Jean Smith; and a brother-in-law, Bob Hlozek.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents; twin daughters, Karen and Kathleen; a sister, Carolyn Hlozek; and twin stepdaughters, Pamela Sue and Denise Marie; and stepson, Mickey Coleman.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10275 E. 550 S., Hudson, IN, with burial following in the Eden Cemetery, Topeka, IN, with the Rev. Lynn Lubke and Rev. Brian Pratt officiating the services.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, at the Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 West Michigan St., LaGrange, with a Fireman's service at 7 p.m.

Additional calling will take place on Friday, December 1, at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a Masonic service at 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Goshen Health Foundation, C/O Goshen Cancer Center, P.O. Box 139, Goshen, Indiana 46526.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.