William A. "Bill" Pearson

William A Pearson, known to all as Bill, began his life in Haledon, New Jersey, October 24th, 1932. He was the son of William Arnold and Martha “Elizabeth” Pearson, the second of five children, and of that family is survived only by his youngest sister, Patti Rifenbark. As a young man he was raised in Patterson, NJ, active in many athletics from lifeguarding to football. He excelled at baseball, and while working at a glass company, was offered a tryout with a semi-pro team. He instead decided to join the Army in 1951, serving honorably in active duty until 1953. He was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison. It was during his duty patrolling Indianapolis as a Military Police Officer in 1952 that he met his wife, Alberta Binkley. His life was forever changed during a stroll around Monument Circle. Bill and Alberta dated for some time before she surprised him with her two young children, Linda and Rick. After Bill recovered from his fainting spell, he embraced his entire ready-made family. They were married soon after, a marriage that lasted until Alberta passed in June of 2002. Bill was the most devoted husband and father that any of us could have ever hoped for. Bill worked at Ford Motor Company for forty-three years, where he was affectionately known as “Teddy Bear”. He often worked twelve hours a day, seven days a week, yet somehow, he was always there for his family. He was an avid bowler, without doubt, well known as one of the best in Indianapolis for many years. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, belonging to the Masonic Lodge, Mooresville, IN Chapter. Bill found great friendships there, remaining active until his passing. In January of 2003, Bill was baptized in the Lord and became a faithful member of Mt Gilead Christian Church in Mooresville, Indiana. He flourished there and developed many friendships that remain today. It was here that he was blessed to find his second great love, Elaine Kissel. Although they never married, they were “officially engaged” for the rest of his life. All that knew him were completely aware of his undying commitment to Elaine, equaled only by her commitment and love toward him. In his later years Bill faced his share of physical challenges, but always with an optimistic attitude. He loved life passionately, and everyone around him. He was kind to all, and left no enemies on this earth, only friends. On his last day, because he was hospitalized and Covid positive, his family shared with him by video chat, expressing their love for him and releasing him to the loving care of God. Because of restrictions, only his son was able to be with him as he transitioned to the next great chapter of his life. Bill Pearson will always be remembered as the finest of men. Bill is survived by Elaine Kissel, daughter, Linda Shipley, son, Rick Pearson, five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and one great- great grandson. Services will be held at Floral Park Cemetery, graveside, Friday August 14th, 2020 at 2 PM.  All are welcome to attend.
Flanner Buchanan Decatur Township serving the family. www.flannerbuchanan.com