"I only had the pleasure of meeting Bill on two occasions. The first being the marriage of my daughter Kristina to his nephew Andrew and the second being when I visited Indianapolis with the kids. I immediately liked Bill (& Donna). He was genuine, warm and funny. When we made the trip to Indy, Bill graciously included us in Grandma Charleen's birthday dinner and again I felt so comfortable with him and Donna. As I read the tributes, especially Cousin Lissi's, I see we shared a lot of interests such as Star trek and bad sci fi; I wish I had had the opportunity to talk to him about those things. My condolences to Donna, Susan and the rest of the family. He was taken way too soon but what a legacy of love and fun he leaves behind. "
In loving memory of
William "Bill" Odin Wadleigh
August 31, 1957 - January 5, 2020
William Odin Wadleigh passed away on January 5, 2020. Bill was born on August 31, 1957 to Gerald M. and Charleen Dabbs Wadleigh. He grew up in Washington Township where he was active in Scouts and graduated from North Central High School. After attending Purdue University and being a member of Sigma Alpha Epislon, Bill returned to Indianapolis to work at the family business Sanborn Electric Company, where he learned his love of electrical estimating. After Sanborn closed, Bill worked for Ermco Electric for over 30 years at a job he truly loved. While at Ermco, Bill met the love of his life, Donna Trager. Bill married Donna in 1990; together they raised 3 children: Bryan Matthew Trager, Allen McCoy and Tai McCoy.
Bill loved spending time on the beach at Sanibel, Purdue sports, and the Colts. He loved birds and watching them at his feeders outside the back window. He loved to cook (and thought nobody could cook as well as he could). He loved the 4th of July - his fireworks show in the backyard was the best in Speedway. But most of all he loved being Papaw to David and James and Malachai Strayhorn and Camron Richards.
Survivors include Donna Wadleigh, their children Bryan Matthew Trager, Allen McCoy and Tai McCoy; his grandchildren; his sister Susan Wadleigh Gard (Robert Berry). He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Robert Marsh Wadleigh.
Services will be held at the Crown Hill Gothic Chapel on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 12:00pm with calling 2 hours before the service. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Life will be held at Dawson's on Main, 1464 N Main St, Speedway 46224 following the service.
Directions to Gothic Chapel from Funeral Home off Clarendon and 38th, enter cemetery through the gates, follow to the left, go under the 38th St bridge, stay to the left and follow the white line to the green line, that will lead you to the Chapel
Tributes
"I am so deeply saddened by Bill's passing. I remember his warm laugh and smile from my childhood as my sister Sarah and I played with Jenny Leigh and Tai at Great Aunt Charlene's house. Sadly we won't be able to attend his celebration of life, but please know your whole family is in my heart and in my prayers. Courtney (Wiesenauer) Fosnaugh"
"I have been tearfully reminiscing . So many wonderful memories of childhood and beyond. From watching Star Trek and really bad Sci-fi movies , building forts and spying on parents, and many stellar antics that almost always landed us in trouble (but worth the fun /# best cousin ever) to standing up at my wedding and a few other adult feats of heroism. Bill will always remain a cherished part of my life."
"I am so sorry for your great loss. Bill was a great man and always a pleasure to be around. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time."
"Love, prayer and blessings to the Wadleigh family. May the love of The Lord comfort you. "
"Many condolences to your family. So sorry for your loss."
"Not many men would marry a woman with 3 young children. Bill did. It makes me proud for Bill to have been a member of our family. He will be greatly missed by all. Kathleen (Trager) Hamawi"