William J. Carr

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William J Carr (Bill) beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, distinguished engineer and proud veteran, passed away on February 1st, 2026, in Fishers Indiana, at the age of 96. Bill was born on July 11th, 1929, in Hoquiam, Washington to Albert Warren Carr and Marie Ann (Pakar) Carr. Bill lived a life marked by service, dedication and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and profession.

Bill grew up in Atkinson, Illinois and grew up there on his parents’ farm. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1947. From there he went on to study Electrical Engineering at Iowa State University and graduated in 1952. Later that same year he joined the Army. His military service in the United States Army was a defining period in his life. Bill was stationed in Japan from October 1952-February 1953 and in Korea from February 1953 to February 1954. He served with honor and distinction. Earning the rank of Lieutenant as well as a Bronze Star (the fourth highest combat award) for his bravery and commitment to duty.

Bill’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. On February 12, 1954, he married Marjorie (Jean) Crump. This was a union that brought him immense joy and pride. Together, they built a loving family and created a wonderful home filled with warmth and memories. Bill and Jean grew their family through adoption, welcoming Brad and Christina with immense gratitude. He embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly,

Shortly thereafter, Bill worked for RCA, building himself up to a leadership position. Bill worked at many different companies doing different positions. In 1955, Bill worked for Delco Radio in Kokomo, Indiana, which brought some additional opportunities for him. In 1963, Delco had a program with Purdue where employees went to school during weekday evenings and weekends and were able to get a regular MBA. Bill knew that having an MBA would give him a lot more flexibility to be home and to enjoy his work-life balance more. He seized the opportunity and graduated from Purdue University in 1967. From there, he took a position in 1972, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts at Tech-Built, a prefab home company.

Bill and his family moved back to Indiana in 1976 where he took a position at Sprague Electric here in Indianapolis. Not long after that Panasonic came calling. He took the Panasonic position, and it turned out to be his dream job and where he retired from in approximately 1979.

After retirement both Bill and Jean had dreams to travel the USA and the World where they continued to meet many friends and established many relationships that have lasted forever. Jean bought Bill a new RV for his retirement present to travel coast to coast in the USA, which they did but they continued their overseas adventures as well!

Bill began the day by exercising each morning and in the evening enjoyed a well-made martini and was rarely without a good joke or story.

Their devotion to the church was always present wherever they were. A man of discipline and humor, Bill and Jean were both very active in their church community. Bill founded a men’s group called Friends of Thomas over 20 years ago and was still an active member until his passing. He believed in showing up for the people he loved and cared about.

He also attended every Indianapolis 500 from 1963-2018.

To know Bill was to feel welcomed. He possessed a rare openness that allowed him to speak with anyone about nearly anything, leaving people comfortable, valued and heard. Friends, colleagues and even international partners came to rely on his guidance.

Above all, Bill loved people. He was often the last to leave a gathering or dance floor, drawn to conversation and connection wherever he went. To him, the world was not simply meant to be seen, but to be experienced and shared.

Bill taught by example, quietly instilling in his children the importance of kindness, respect and treating others well. To be loved by Bill was to be deeply known, and in return, he was profoundly loved by all who had the privilege of sharing in his life. His contribution to his field, his devotion to his family, and his adventurous spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Bill was a very proud father, grandfather and great grandfather, leaving behind his children: Bradley Neil Carr and Christina Marie Carr; grandchildren William Anthony (Nita) Carr; and great grandchildren, Wyatt Carr and Isaiah Carr, who carry on his legacy. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Jane Crump Colón; nieces and nephews, Kathy Arrington, Marty Colón, Matt (Suzanne Keith) Colón, Pam (Russell) Clifton, Greg (Dana) Remaley, Jeff (Clint) Remaley; his stepbrother, Joe Carr; nephew Donnie Carr, niece Janelle Carr and numerous other nieces, nephews who were touched by his kindness and wisdom throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the late Albert “Bert” and Marie (Pakar) Carr, his loving wife, Marjorie Jean Crump Carr, sister-in-law, Janice Louise Crump Wolgamot; brothers-in-law, Fernando Colón, Jack Wolgamont; and nephew by marriage Dan Arrington.

Visitation for Bill will be from 12:30 pm - 2 pm, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220. A Memorial Service is to begin at 2 pm, with Military Honors to follow.