William A. Zerface

Bill died Thursday, May 12th, 2011 peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He had suffered a short battle with cancer. Bill was born in Logansport, IN, to parents Maurice P. Zerface and Myrtle A. (Williams) Zerface, now deceased. Also deceased is his wife Judy C. (Puckett) Zerface. Bill is survived by his six children Lori D. Stapleton (Phil), Terri Jo Smithson, Juli Anne Forrest (Metro), Michael M, Zerface (Judy), Brandon Zerface (Sarah) of Florida, Bob Zerface. Ten Grandchildren and eight Great-Grandchildren. A brother James P. Zerface (Wendy), Nashville, TN, 2 nieces (Janie Zerface (Jason) and Kazzie Zerface, 1 nephew, Cris Zerface). Also survived by an Aunt Mildred "Mickey" (Williams) Crouse (Bob), of Florida. Bill graduated from Monticello Roosevelt High School in 1954. Immediately after graduation he joined the Navy and served until 1958. While in the Navy, he learned and taught Russian. Bill was honor man for his company and spent two years on Guam Naval base while serving in the Secret Service. Bill graduated from Indiana University receiving a bachelor's degree in English 1962 and received his Masters in Library Science in 1975. While in school he worked at the Indiana University Library and Cascades Golf Course. Bill retired from Indiana University in 1999 (28 years of service) and was the University's Contract Negotiator. He loved Indiana University Basketball and was an avid 'Cubs' fan. He also had a passion for writing and was a bi-weekly writer for the Herald-Times Newspaper. Bill wrote his last article about his Chemo-Club. Bill and his brother Jim Zerface wrote Country Music and had a number of hits including 3 top 10 songs on Billboard. You Lift Me Up to Heaven was recorded by Reba McEntire who credits the song as launching her career. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Bill Zerface to the Olcott Cancer Center in Bloomington, IN. These contributions will go towards cancer research --and a cure! His good friend Bob Hammel wrote: Bill moved me with the first of his witty, perceptive columns during his period as a regular volunteer columnist with the H-T. I'm not sure that I did it with any of the others, though I should have on a few, but I dropped him an immediate note telling him how much I liked that column and looked forward to future ones. I mentioned I'd like to meet him for lunch. That worked out, and we became friends, with regular lunch get-togethers. An hour or so of wide-ranging, laugh-filled conversation always happened. We found we had mutual friends, from his growing-up days in Monticello. Every time I found him delightful, with a great twinkle to augment his dry, genuinely funny wit. When I read his typically understated final column, I should have done more than just enjoy his humor and style, should have grabbed the phone and re-initiated our lunches. I missed that chance, just as I continue to miss those old lunches -- and just as he missed out on what might have been his true calling. The guy could really write. Funeral services for Bill will be held Monday may 16th 2011 at 2:00PM at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37. Visitation will be held Sunday May 15th 2011 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM and Monday May 16th 2011 from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2:00PM, also at Allen Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfunearalhome.org.

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William A. Zerface

February 14, 1937 - May 12, 2011