William Henry Squires, Sr

The Life and Legacy of Mr. William Henry Squires, Sr.

Mr. William Henry Squires, Sr. was born on September 5, 1946, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the fifth child born to Willie Squires and Mary Catherine Squires. Raised in Indianapolis, he was educated in the Indianapolis Public School system and proudly graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, he continued his education at Indiana Central University, Indiana University, and Butler University.

William was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Yvonne “Sugar” Edwards Squires, and to their union, two children were born. In a poignant moment of divine timing, William completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - the exact date his family annually celebrates the heavenly birthday of his beloved late wife, Yvonne (1949–2001).

An extraordinary educator and mentor, William devoted his career to enriching the minds of thousands across the Indianapolis Public School system. He taught generations of students at IPS Schools 4, 20, 41, and 108, Crispus Attucks High School, Mapleton Fall Creek, and Shortridge Junior High. He proudly served as Director of the All City Band for many years and empowered hundreds of youth by helping them secure their first jobs through CETA/Partners 2000.

Music was the heartbeat of William’s life. He enjoyed playing with the Indianapolis Symphonic Band for many years. A staple of the Indianapolis music scene from the late 1960s straight through the 2000s, his talent on stage was widely renowned, most notably accompanying The Temptations in concert whenever they performed in the city. Beyond his music, William was a dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc., built lasting bonds at the Indianapolis Healthplex, and brightened the lives of fellow residents at Mayfield Green, Three Fountains West, Colonial Square, and Wellbrooke of Avon Assisted Living. Faith was his cornerstone; he attended Northside New Era Baptist Church and Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, and most recently served as a joyful greeter at Eastern Star Church.

William truly knew no strangers. He always took time to stop and smell the roses, constantly encouraging continual learning to anyone who would listen, and staying in touch with his own childhood teachers. If he could not be there in person, he made sure to call or text, leaving behind a trail of treasured voicemails and text threads for those he loved. He was a friend, a mentor, an educator, a family man, and a father figure to so many. We celebrate his strength, infectious smile, leadership, guidance to be the best, and his example of how to love everyone.

William was preceded in death by his loving wife, Yvonne "Sugar" Squires; his parents, Willie and Mary Catherine Squires; and his brothers, Norman Harris, James Harris, and Otha Squires.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, William H. Squires Jr.; his daughter, Alicia D. Harris; his grandchildren, TaRon M. Squires, William H. Squires III, Dejaye A. Harris, and Jillian B. Harris; his sisters, Barbara Thompson, Loretta Collins, and Judy Whorton; his brother, Acie Squires; along with a vast host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, former students, bandmates, and lifelong friends.