William "Bill" Boatman

William (Bill) M. Boatman passed away peacefully on January 16, 2015, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife of fifty two years, Lynn Bolles Boatman. Bill was born on November 29, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Maxine and Richard Boatman. Bill attended PS 86 and graduated from Shortridge High School, Class of 1958. While at Shortridge, Bill excelled and loved basketball and track & field. Bill earned numerous athletic awards, including All-State Basketball Honors and the State Title for high jump in 1958. Bill's greatest high school accomplishment, however, was meeting the love of his life Lynn Bolles Boatman his freshman year of high school! Following his graduation from Shortridge, Bill attended Hanover College (with Lynn) where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and continued his athletic success in basketball and track & field. While at Hanover, Bill set a school record for the high jump, which stood for twenty nine years. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts. In 1998 Bill was inducted into the Hanover College Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements. Prior to attending Hanover, Bill spent three summers at the Summer Naval School...[more]

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Culver Military Academy where he was chosen by his Commanding Officers and classmates to commandeer the Fowler. This rewarding experience led Bill to attend the United States Naval Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI following his graduation from Hanover College. Just prior to OCS, Bill and Lynn were married September 8, 1962, at Fairview Presbyterian Church. Bill was commissioned into the Navy in March of 1963 and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. He served his first assignment on the USS Elokomin AO-55, a refueling tanker. Bill's second two-year assignment was US Naval Beach Group 2 where he was a Personal Aide to Admiral John S. McCain. Retiring from the Navy in 1966 as a Lieutenant, Bill and Lynn returned to Indianapolis. Bill started his company, General Drilling Inc., where he served as President for over forty years. Bill was inducted into the Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association Hall of Fame and was also recognized by other industry associations for his contributions. Bill is survived by his wife Lynn and their four children, Becky Volk (Eric) Indianapolis, Jane Geller (Gregory) Indianapolis, Scott Boatman (Cynthia Withrow) Denver, CO, Matthew Boatman (Wendy) Fishers; eight grandchildren, Sarah Volk, Isabelle, Anna and Charlotte Geller, Tommy and Willy Boatman, Jack and Kyle Boatman; Bill's sister Lynn Sexson (Ward) and one hundred and thirty eight Bolles and Boatman in-laws, out-laws, nieces and nephews. Bill was a lifelong member of Fairview Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. He enjoyed watching sports and, along with his wife Lynn, was an avid Colts fan. He also enjoyed traveling and his deep connection to family and friends. Bill touched many people's lives, including family, work associates, friends from the Carvel Club, friends from his breakfast club and countless others. He will be dearly missed by all. The family would like to thank BrightStar Care, Clare Bridge Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for the love and care they showed for Bill these last three years.