William Cleary

William Cleary, 88, passed away on February 10, 2026, at Providence Home By Fir, surrounded by family, after struggling with a brief illness. He was born on January 30, 1938, in South Bend to Wilbur Mallory and Mary Kathleen (Acor) Cleary.

On November 21, 1959, in Granger, he married Mary Christian; she survives along with their 3 children: Mary (Roger) Carville of Granger, Kevin (Lynn) Cleary of Granger, and Anne (Joseph) Page of Lawton, Michigan.

Also, surviving are 10 grandchildren: Stacey (Ryan) Brountas, Taylor Boettcher, Ciarra (Cory) Bowman, Warren Page, Brock Zolman, Noelle Zolman, Avory Zolman; along with 3 great-grandchildren: Meredith Boettcher, Lucas Bowman, and Hayden Bowman. William is also survived by a half-brother, Keith Kepler.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

After Bill graduated Clay High School, he enlisted and served as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, from 1955-1959. Then he attended Purdue University where he earned the degree of Bachelor of Science and went on in 1973 to Valparaiso University where he earned a master’s degree.

Bill retired from his life-long career at the Corrections Department, Indiana, in 2000. At that time the governor of Indiana honored Bill the Sagamore of the Wabash for his distinguished service to the state and its communities. Throughout his life he was an avid reader and enjoyed rousing games of baseball, basketball, card games and snowmobiling with his friends and family. He found great pleasure in sailing, fishing and riding his motorcycle too.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, that was evident in his 67-year marriage as the reigning family patriarch and to many life-long friends. He lived a full and purposeful life and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, grandpa and friend.

There are no public services. Memorial donations may be made, in his name, to the Center for Hospice Care.

McGann Hay Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family. To share memories and to leave condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com