Hebrews 1:14 Ministering angels came for Billy Boyd Bedwell on Saturday, March 25, 2017 and took him to be with his Heavenly Father.

Bill was born October 24, 1927 to Dewey and Pearl (Southwood) Bedwell in Francisco, Indiana.

On April 9, 1947 Bill married Ruth Imogene Skelton, his high school sweet heart and the love of his life, while he was home on leave from the United States Navy. They were married 69 years.

God blessed their marriage with a daughter Pamela and a son Mark. Bill's greatest joy was providing a loving home for his wife and family. He was so proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his passion for family and God leaves them a rich legacy of unselfish love and faith. Bill lived his life to the fullest. Bill joined the Navy and served four and a half years in the Pacific at the end of World War II. Upon returning home he attended Oakland City University pursing a teaching degree and received his Masters from Indiana University. Bill taught his first year at Oakdale school in Boonville, IN and the remaining 35 years of his teaching career were at Vogel school in Evansville, IN. Bill loved being in the classroom guiding young children in their learning. Bill belonged to the Masonic Lodge at Oakland City becoming Master, the NEA, ISTA, the American Legion, and was on the first East Gibson school board. He was faithful to his church throughout his lifetime holding many offices and teaching Sunday School. He was a member of the Mackey Church of the Nazarene. In 1975 Bill and his wife joined the Gideon's International and it became his passion to spread the Word of God. He spoke as a representative of the Gideon's in over 250 churches across the United States. He and his wife, Ruth, went on many Bible distributions both locally and across the country with other Gideon's. The men gave out Bibles in schools, at colleges and universities, as well as, on the street. In 1984 Bill felt called to work in Jail Ministry at the Gibson County Jail making weekly visits with other Gideon's for twenty years. Bill loved to be outside working on his small farm, taking care of animals, planting and caring for a garden, hunting, and fishing. His hobbies included reading and listening to music. In April of last year Bill was chosen to go on the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana to see the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. He was so touched by all the expressions of gratitude during the trip. A special thanks to the Evansville Honor Flight staff and volunteers for making such a memorable experience possible.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth Imogene (Skelton) Bedwell, his parents, Dewey and Pearl Bedwell, a step-father Henry Smith, half-brothers Elliott Bedwell and Robert Bedwell.

Surviving are a daughter Pamela (William) Maikranz, of Fenton, MO, a son Mark (Sherri) Bedwell, of Ft. Branch, IN, Grandchildren Julie (Aaron) Stratman, Jane (Scott) Reuter, Tim (Emily) Bedwell, and Joe (Jessica) Bedwell. Great grandchildren Kate, Jonah, Will, Rachel and Anna Stratman, Ella, Bradley Jameson, and Maverick Reuter, Jaden, Jacie, and Jesper Bedwell, nieces Nancy Rinker, Wendy Bedwell, Lynne Bedwell, Clare Bedwell-Ray and Doris Schwiersch, nephews David Bedwell, James, Ronnie Joe, and Don Skelton, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be at the Mackey Church of the Nazarene at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017 with the Rev. Bill Reed and the Rev. Martin Hodge officiating. Burial is at the Albright Cemetery East of Mackey. Visitation is at the Corn-Colvin Funeral Home, 323 N. Main St. in Oakland City, IN on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. till service time at the church on March 30th. Full military rites will be provided. Thank you to the staff at the Charlier Hospice Center for your care, support, and Veteran’s Service for Dad.