William D. Bugher

William D. Bugher passed away May 31, 2023 in Carmel, Indiana. He was born on June 12, 1929, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Clarence and Lettie (Klingman) Bugher.

Bill attended Kokomo High School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1947. He began his college career at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa, and Alpha Delta Sigma honoraries.  He was awarded the Rector Scholarship all four of his undergraduate years; and he was a member of the Men’s Hall Association, yearbook staff, and newspaper staff. As a sophomore, Bill met freshman Beverly Baird on a blind date. He graduated with his BA in Foreign Languages in 1951.

Bill completed his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Illinois in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly afterwards to proudly serve in the Korean War. His station assignment as a Lieutenant (jg) was San Diego, California. He and Beverly married on December 28, 1952 in Southport and resided in San Diego through 1955. It was during this time that their two sons, Jeffrey and Gary, were born.

Upon completing his military service, Bill’s family returned to Indiana. After briefly working as a counselor at the Indiana School for Boys in Plainfield, Bill joined the original staff of North Central High School, Indianapolis, in 1956 as a French & Spanish teacher, later progressing to counselor. After the construction of the current NCHS, Bill was promoted to Assistant Principal, and Director of Student Activities where he sponsored the student council, influencing the growth of many alumni into leadership positions. Also, Bill played a significant role in establishing the NCHS Alumni Association. He retired in June, 1994.

During their golden years, Bill and Beverly enjoyed many excursions to Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. They enjoyed escaping the Indiana winters and socializing with friends in Venice, Florida. Bill volunteered for many years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Bon Secours Hospital in Venice, Florida.

Bill will be remembered as a caring husband, proud father, and friend to all. He enjoyed books, board games, and card games, especially Bridge. A respected member of the community, Bill was active with the Nora Lions Club, becoming a charter member in 1959 and serving as secretary for 40 years. As a Lion, he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship and the WP Woods Award. Bill eventually joined the Carmel Lions.

An exceptional recognition came from Indiana governor Evan Bayh, who presented Bill with The Sagamore of the Wabash honor.

After years of planning, Bill and Beverly settled into The Barrington of Carmel in December 2013. During his decade there, Bill served on the committee to create bylaws for Resident Council prior to electing the first council members.  He was later elected to the first Independent Living Resident Council, serving as secretary; was editor of Odds & Ends, the Barrington Community Newsletter; emceed weekly Great Courses presentations; launched the Duplicate Bridge Group with Beverly; and was active in Masterpiece Living, and (real & practice) happy hour.

Bill is preceded in passing by his wife, Beverly; parents, Clarence and Lettie; stepmother, Erma; sisters, Thelma Fisher and Betty Frogue; and brother, Merwin.

Bill is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Ruth) Bugher, and Gary (Linda) Bugher; grandchildren, Scott (Jessica) Bugher, David (Meghan) Bugher, Lindsay (Chrissy) Brown, Laura (Brett) Andrews, and Evan Bugher; and great grandchildren, Graham, Millie, and Eli Brown; Maddie and Gracie Andrews; Cecilia and Rosanna Bugher.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Windsor Hall at The Barrington of Carmel, 1335 S Guilford Road, Carmel, IN 46032. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Barrington of Carmel Foundation at the same address as above, or to the Washington Township Schools Foundation at 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.