William E. Wise

William Earl Wise, passed away June 19, 2024, at the age of 93, at home surrounded by family.

William "Bill" Wise was born August 18, 1930, in Indianapolis, the son of the late Earl McClure Wise and Helen Margaret (Rocker) Wise.

He married Jean (Jeanie) Therese Kennard on April 18, 1953, at Little Flower Catholic Church in Indianapolis.

Bill was a 1948 graduate of Arsenal Tech High School. He enlisted and served 2 years during the Korean War in the U.S. Army 7th Division and 4 years with the National Guard. During his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He left the service as a Sergeant First Class.

After his discharge, he spent 13 years in local government, serving as a Building and Sign Inspector for the Marion County Building Department, Chief Zoning Inspector for the Metropolitan Planning Department and the City of Indianapolis Planning Department. He was also a Special Constable for Franklin Township for 3 years. He owned Wanamaker Construction, a real estate holding company, from 1953 to 2024.

Bill loved flea markets, garage sales, treasure hunts and practical jokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Beverly Sue.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean, daughters Cindy Wise (Bob Wyman) of Louisville, KY, Anita (Neal) Himes of Ladoga, IN, sons Chris (Debbie) Wise of Greenwood, and Dan (Diane) Wise of Fairland.

He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Emily Kidd, Morgan and Daniel Wyman, Kelti, Quinn and Olivia Wise, and 2 great grandchildren, Addison and Izabelle Kidd.

Cremation was chosen and he will be interred at Calvary Cemetery.

In his memory, donations may be mailed to:

Gary Sinise Foundation

P. O. Box 40726

Nashville, TN 37204