William Franklin Laramore died June 15, 2011 in his Ferndale Avenue home, Plymouth of myeloma. He was born July 6, 1920 in South Bend to Herbert K. and Muriel Bosworth Laramore. He lived in Knox until age 14, when his family moved to Plymouth where his parents helped with the management of F.W. Bosworth Co., Inc., the retail store his maternal grandfather, F.W. Bosworth, started in 1891.
He graduated in 1938 from Plymouth High School and in 1942 from DePauw University, where he was elected to Sigma Delta Chi journalism honorary. He worked in South Bend at Robertson’s department store and Studebaker Corp. In 1945 he became manager of the floor covering department at Bosworth’s store, and he was noted for his creativity in producing award-winning advertising for the Plymouth Pilot-News. He retired from the store as president and manager in 1982.
In 1963 Bill was appointed to the Plymouth Public Library Board, beginning many years of devoted service to Indiana’s libraries. He served 15 years on the local board and 12 years on the Indiana Library and Historical Board, which manages the State Library and Historical Bureau. He was president of each of these boards and of the Indiana Library Trustees Association and Friends of Indiana Libraries, the only person to be president of all three of these state groups. In 1979 he was named Indiana’s Outstanding Library Trustee. As Plymouth library board president, Bill was a leader of the effort to find funding for the new library building when it was built in the late 1970s. The public meeting room in the expanded Plymouth library was named in his honor. For many years he organized the local Friends of the Library book sale, and he was the first recipient of the Plymouth Friends of the Library award.
Bill served as president of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Community Fund (now United Way), Friends of Ancilla College and DePauw Area Alumni. He was a Plymouth city councilman, Republican precinct committeeman for 15 years, director and secretary of Plymouth Industrial Development Co., board member of State Exchange Bank, Kiwanis Club, and Marshall County Historical Society, and co-chaired the Plymouth Area Bicentennial Commission. An active member of First United Methodist Church, he served as a Sunday School teacher for more than 25 years, District Lay Leader, and on many church committees. He worked with 4-H clubs, Cub Scouts and Camp Fire.
On June 25, 1950 he married Betty Lou Pinney in South Bend. In 1972, with his wife, he received the Plymouth Jaycees Distinguished Citizen Award, in 1983 the Ancilla College Distinguished Service Award, in 2003 the Community Spirit award given by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Plymouth, and in 2005 the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizens Award. He was honored by Gov. Joseph E. Kernan as a Sagamore of the Wabash in 2004.
Survivors include his wife Betty Lou of Plymouth and son Jon (Janet McCabe), daughter Ann Johns (Randolph), grandchildren Alice and Peter Laramore and Daniel Sheehan, all of Indianapolis. Other survivors include sister Jean Schricker and nephew George Schricker Jr. (Michele) of Plymouth, niece Sara Klein (Jonathan) of Park City, UT and great nephews Benjamin and Avram (Carol) Klein and Ezra Schricker.
Calling will be at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home 1100 N.Michigan St., Plymouth on Sat. June 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Plymouth on Mon. June 20 at 11 a.m. with calling one hour prior to service.
Memorial gifts may be made to Plymouth Public Library, 201 N. Center St. or to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 400 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563
Dale D. Sullivan says
I am so sorry to hear about Bill\’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Matt Pesch says
I am surely saddened to hear of Bill\’s passing, but can think of few with a life so well lived!.
Bill gave me my first job working for him at Bosworths. He was a great boss, and one of my first mentors. I have so many fond memories of my conversations with Bill about any number of topics. Bill not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. Everything Bill did, or was involved in was done with 100 percent of his energy.
I will always remember the trust Bill put in me and the doors he opened for me. I hope in my life that I have the opportunity to take what I learned from Bill and pass it on.
I can\’t imagine what the character of Plymouth would be today without Bill\’s leadership as a local merchant, his advocacy of the library and historical society, and Bills activities as a philanthropist. God bless Bill and the Laramore family.
With the fondest of memories of Bill,
Matt Pesch
Shirley A. Gidley says
My sincere condolences to you Betty Lou, the children and all of the extended family.
Bill had quite a memorable life and has brought to each of you much love and joy. He will be loved and missed by each of you in your own way.
Beville Family says
We were saddened to hear of the death of Bill and sorry that we cannot attend his service. We will be in South Dakota visiting our daughter and family. Bill was Mr. Plymouth and will be remembered as one its favorite sons and friend.
Elaine Wickens Amor says
I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Laramore\’s death. I remember he and Betty growing up being so devoted to 4-H and Bosworth\’s was my all time favorite department store. He was always a big supporter of community events, proud PHS grad, and a good Republican.
Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ralph and Kathy Orey says
Ralph and I are certainly sorry about Uncle Bill\’s passing. What a privilege it is to be his niece and Ralph so enjoyed the time he spent with Uncle Bill and his delightful sense of humor. We wish we could be there with you now however look forward to visiting in July.
Dave and Eleanor Goodrich says
Talking with Bill was always a pleasure, and an honor. Pymouth, and Indiana, were the better because of him.
Julie (Reber) Stewart says
Dear Betty Lou,
We wish to express our sympathy to you and your family. Bill was a kind and remarkable man. He accomplished so many wonderful things during his lifetime. We send our sincere condolences.
Ken Reber & Julie (Reber) Stewart
Indianapolis, IN
Dan and Lynne Barden says
Dear Betty Lou and family,
We and all of Plymouth are going to greatly miss Bill. We will remember him for his warm smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and, of course, his signature bowties. He was a remarkable man,,,generous in spirit, community minded, and a faithful Christian leader. We send you our condolences and deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Beals Essex says
I was so very sorry to learn of Mr. Laramore\’s death. Thinking of Plymouth, which I do often, has always been almost synonomous with remembering the Laramores and their many contributions to the Plymouth community. They were lifelong friends of my folks so that name has always represented something special to the Robert Beals family. One cannot quantify the impact on lives that Bill Laramore has made in his lifetime and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his equally dear wife and family during this sad time of loss.
shelli dickey says
Betty,
I\’m so sorry to hear of Bill\’s passing. I\”m sorry I couldn\’t make it to the viewing, , but I was out of town. Bill was always a joy to take care of in the doctor\’s office. 🙂
I have admired the relationship you two had built & the adoration you both still had for each other after all these years. He was quite an asset to the community as well. You must be very proud. He will truly be missed……
Shelli Dickey
(Dr. Stillson\’s office)
Patricia Ferguson Wagner says
Thanks Bill and Betty Lou for being such good friends to my family and me. You are the reason I started on geneology years ago. There are many people who come and go in our lives; few touch and change us as you have mine. Thank you – Pat Ferguson Wagner, South Bend.
Jamey Smith says
Uncle Bill was loaned to us by angels. He lived a beautiful life and touched lives beyond his knowing, including mine and my family\’s. His legacy is one of kindness, patience and love. His beautiful life was framed by his beautiful love for Aunt Betty Lou. Theirs is a love that is a beacon for all who are blessed to see it. I am sure the angels welcomed Uncle Bill into their arms like long lost friends. I am praying for strength and understanding during this time of grieving and yes, celebration of such a beautiful and blessed life. Love, Jamey (Kathy\’s daughter) and family
Cathy and Steve Rogier says
My sincere sympathy to Bill\’s wonderful family. I will always remember Bill as one of the kindest people I\’ve ever known. I always enjoyed talking with Bill at our many family reunions through the years and will miss him not being there. My family will be praying for yours.
Jay Pinney says
Dear Betty Lou, Jon, and Ann,
I am sorry to hear of Bill`\’s passing. What an amazing list of ways he has supported the community in selfless ways. I am sorry for your loss and I cannot imagine the loss you feel. May God encourage you and may you be reminded often of some of the lovely moments you spent with him. There will certainly be many reminders of him and all that he did around Plymouth.
May God bless you and help you as you grieve this loss.
With affection, Jay Pinney (and family)
Montreal, Canada
Marie Albertson says
Dear Betty, I was so sorry to read about Bill\’s passing. Bill helped me so much when I was working at the Plymouth Public library. He gave so much to his community. He was a guiding light for all of us to emulate. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Marie Albertson, Carmel, IN
Ken & Sandy Kiel says
Betty Lou & Family– We were so sorry to hear about Bill/ We were out of town
and could not attend the memorial services. We have alsways
had such great respect for you both all these years. We were
involved with the Jaycees when you received the Distinguished
Citizen Award. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Mary Ann Underwood Summy says
With rememberance and condolences…
Dale D. Sullivan says
I am so sorry to hear about Bill\’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Matt Pesch says
I am surely saddened to hear of Bill\’s passing, but can think of few with a life so well lived!.
Bill gave me my first job working for him at Bosworths. He was a great boss, and one of my first mentors. I have so many fond memories of my conversations with Bill about any number of topics. Bill not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. Everything Bill did, or was involved in was done with 100 percent of his energy.
I will always remember the trust Bill put in me and the doors he opened for me. I hope in my life that I have the opportunity to take what I learned from Bill and pass it on.
I can\’t imagine what the character of Plymouth would be today without Bill\’s leadership as a local merchant, his advocacy of the library and historical society, and Bills activities as a philanthropist. God bless Bill and the Laramore family.
With the fondest of memories of Bill,
Matt Pesch
Shirley A. Gidley says
My sincere condolences to you Betty Lou, the children and all of the extended family.
Bill had quite a memorable life and has brought to each of you much love and joy. He will be loved and missed by each of you in your own way.
Beville Family says
We were saddened to hear of the death of Bill and sorry that we cannot attend his service. We will be in South Dakota visiting our daughter and family. Bill was Mr. Plymouth and will be remembered as one its favorite sons and friend.
Elaine Wickens Amor says
I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Laramore\’s death. I remember he and Betty growing up being so devoted to 4-H and Bosworth\’s was my all time favorite department store. He was always a big supporter of community events, proud PHS grad, and a good Republican.
Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ralph and Kathy Orey says
Ralph and I are certainly sorry about Uncle Bill\’s passing. What a privilege it is to be his niece and Ralph so enjoyed the time he spent with Uncle Bill and his delightful sense of humor. We wish we could be there with you now however look forward to visiting in July.
Dave and Eleanor Goodrich says
Talking with Bill was always a pleasure, and an honor. Pymouth, and Indiana, were the better because of him.
Julie (Reber) Stewart says
Dear Betty Lou,
We wish to express our sympathy to you and your family. Bill was a kind and remarkable man. He accomplished so many wonderful things during his lifetime. We send our sincere condolences.
Ken Reber & Julie (Reber) Stewart
Indianapolis, IN
Dan and Lynne Barden says
Dear Betty Lou and family,
We and all of Plymouth are going to greatly miss Bill. We will remember him for his warm smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and, of course, his signature bowties. He was a remarkable man,,,generous in spirit, community minded, and a faithful Christian leader. We send you our condolences and deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Beals Essex says
I was so very sorry to learn of Mr. Laramore\’s death. Thinking of Plymouth, which I do often, has always been almost synonomous with remembering the Laramores and their many contributions to the Plymouth community. They were lifelong friends of my folks so that name has always represented something special to the Robert Beals family. One cannot quantify the impact on lives that Bill Laramore has made in his lifetime and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his equally dear wife and family during this sad time of loss.
shelli dickey says
Betty,
I\’m so sorry to hear of Bill\’s passing. I\”m sorry I couldn\’t make it to the viewing, , but I was out of town. Bill was always a joy to take care of in the doctor\’s office. 🙂
I have admired the relationship you two had built & the adoration you both still had for each other after all these years. He was quite an asset to the community as well. You must be very proud. He will truly be missed……
Shelli Dickey
(Dr. Stillson\’s office)
Patricia Ferguson Wagner says
Thanks Bill and Betty Lou for being such good friends to my family and me. You are the reason I started on geneology years ago. There are many people who come and go in our lives; few touch and change us as you have mine. Thank you – Pat Ferguson Wagner, South Bend.
Jamey Smith says
Uncle Bill was loaned to us by angels. He lived a beautiful life and touched lives beyond his knowing, including mine and my family\’s. His legacy is one of kindness, patience and love. His beautiful life was framed by his beautiful love for Aunt Betty Lou. Theirs is a love that is a beacon for all who are blessed to see it. I am sure the angels welcomed Uncle Bill into their arms like long lost friends. I am praying for strength and understanding during this time of grieving and yes, celebration of such a beautiful and blessed life. Love, Jamey (Kathy\’s daughter) and family
Cathy and Steve Rogier says
My sincere sympathy to Bill\’s wonderful family. I will always remember Bill as one of the kindest people I\’ve ever known. I always enjoyed talking with Bill at our many family reunions through the years and will miss him not being there. My family will be praying for yours.
Jay Pinney says
Dear Betty Lou, Jon, and Ann,
I am sorry to hear of Bill`\’s passing. What an amazing list of ways he has supported the community in selfless ways. I am sorry for your loss and I cannot imagine the loss you feel. May God encourage you and may you be reminded often of some of the lovely moments you spent with him. There will certainly be many reminders of him and all that he did around Plymouth.
May God bless you and help you as you grieve this loss.
With affection, Jay Pinney (and family)
Montreal, Canada
Marie Albertson says
Dear Betty, I was so sorry to read about Bill\’s passing. Bill helped me so much when I was working at the Plymouth Public library. He gave so much to his community. He was a guiding light for all of us to emulate. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Marie Albertson, Carmel, IN
Ken & Sandy Kiel says
Betty Lou & Family– We were so sorry to hear about Bill/ We were out of town
and could not attend the memorial services. We have alsways
had such great respect for you both all these years. We were
involved with the Jaycees when you received the Distinguished
Citizen Award. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Mary Ann Underwood Summy says
With rememberance and condolences…