William "Bill" Blasingame, PGM of Indiana, Passes Away

UPDATED WEDNESDAY 2/24:

Most Worshipful Brother William "Bill" Blasingame, Past Grand Master of Freemasons for the state of Indiana 1996-97, and Past Master of Porter Lodge #137 passed away yesterday, February 22nd 2010. Bill had been in frail health recently and had moved from Valparaiso to Indianapolis last year.

There will be a service held at Porter Lodge #137 in Valparaiso, Indiana on Saturday, March 6th. Visitation 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Masonic Service at 1:00 p.m., with fellowship to follow.

Please keep Bill's wife Dianne and his family in your prayers.

His brethren mourn. RIP

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William Dale "Bill" Blasingame Was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to George Lee and Estetta Mae (Tilley) Blasingame on November 1, 1938. Bill passed away at home with family at his bedside on February 22, 2010. He was preceeded in death by his parents and brothers, George Lewis and C. Frank Blasingame. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Diane (Hassel) Blasingame; son, William Frank (Joanne) Blasingame; daughters, Tami Burchert (Kevin Maxey), Tracy (Tom) Moritz. He was a loving grandfather to ten grandchildren Shelby, Katie, Sam, Landon, Delanie, Natalie, Haylie, Hannah, Hunter, and Hudson.

Bill was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. He has served as Worshipful Master of Porter Lodge No.137 and Potentate of Orak Shrine, and Past Patron of Valparaiso OES. Bill was very active in the youth groups of DeMolay and Job's Daughters.

Bill attended George Washington University and graduated from Purdue University. He retired from Bethlehem Steel as a Senior Planner in charge of the Planning and Engineering Technical Maintenance Department after 36 years. Bill's hobbies included model railroading, youth organizations, and Masonic activities.

Visitation will be held at Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 7602 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 on Friday, Feburary 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held in Valparaiso, IN on March 6, at Valparaiso Masonic Lodge, 113 E Lincolnway. Visitation at Noon and Masonic Services at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Indiana Masonic Home, Shriners Children Hospital, or charity of your choice. Those who wish to share thoughts with the Blasingame family can do so at: singletonmortuary.com

Jim Dillman, Eminent Commander of Raper Commandery No. 1 in Indianapolis has issued the following request to all Indiana Knights Templar:

An honor guard composed of uniformed Knights Templar from Indiana will be posted during the visitation for PGM Bill Blasingame. Visitation will be held at Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 7602 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 on Friday, Feburary 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. I call upon the Sir Knights of Raper Commandery #1 as well as all other commanderies around the state to participate in the honor guard. Please e-mail me at jrdill1955@yahoo.com if you are able to participate. We will divide the visitation hours into shifts depending on the number of Sir Knights who are available. We need a minimum of six and preferably eight Sir Knights. All who desire to participate will be given the opportunity to do so. If you are available, please help us honor our departed Grand Master and brother.