William "Bill" L. Hostetter, 97, passed away March 13, in McAllen, Texas.

Bill was born in Nappanee on Jan. 14, 1928 to Russell and Edna (Yoder) Hostetter.

On Oct. 2, 1949, he married Verna Lou "Nook" Arnott. She preceded him in death on Jan. 2, 2000.

He then married Carolyn (Brewer) Varvel on May 10, 2002.

Carolyn survives, along with three sons, Gary Hostetter, Sylvania, Ohio, Roger (Marsha) Hostetter, Nappanee, Chris (Cecilia) Hostetter, Warsaw; two step-daughters, Cynthia Davis, Marshalltown, Iowa, Tamara Oliver, Truro, Iowa; five grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; and a brother, Daniel (Nancy) Hostetter, Paso Robles, California.

Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers; Russell and David Hostetter; and a sister, Elizabeth "Betty Jo" Yoder.

After graduating from Nappanee High School in 1946, Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1947 and was honorably discharged as a World War II Staff Sargeant. He then was in the Army Reserves for four years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #154.

He worked for his uncle at Hatfied and Hostetter Men's store from 1947-1960.

Bill then worked as a truck driver for 27 years for the Elkhart County Highway Department retiring in 1990, and promptly decided to winter in Texas to get away from the snow.

He served on the Nappanee Council from 1958 until 1960 and was an assistant Scout Master at Troop 166 in 1960's.

William also served as a Deacon at First Brethren Church.

Family and friends may call Monday, March 24, from 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. funeral service at First Brethren Church, Nappanee.

Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery, Nappanee.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Brethren Church.