Rev. William S. “Bill” Offutt, 97, Franklin, peacefully passed away Friday eve, Nov. 2, 2012, at Franklin United Methodist Community, with his daughter, Judie (Offutt) Lahr, at his side. Bill was a longtime resident of FUMC and a former resident of Columbus and Vincennes.

He was born March 13, 1915 in Chicago, Ill., to the late Herbert C. Offutt and Josephine (Stanley) Offutt. Bill was 1934 graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High. He went on to Vincennes University (class of 1936) and Purdue University (class of 1938). There he studied engineering and was a member of Theta Chi. He married Alberta Lou (Day) Offutt on Nov. 26, 1938 , who preceded him in death Sept. 29, 2011 after 72-plus loving years. Their devotion and dedication to each other and their faith was evident to all those who knew them. We are sure they are reunited now. Bill served with the Cavalry Mule Pack Outfit during WWII. He also learned photography. After WWII, he returned to Vincennes, where he was owner/operator of "Photos by Offutt" for several years. He then returned to the engineering field in corporations. He was called to the ministry, attending Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill.  He served the Southern Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church for 22 years, retiring to Columbus. He was very active in Asbury Methodist Church in Columbus. From 1995, he was an active and involved resident of FUMC. He was past president of the men's club and past instructor of aquatics exercise. As a young man, Bill enjoyed sailing, fishing, swimming and playing pool. He was a great family man. He enjoyed others of all ages and walks of life.

Bill will be missed by his daughter, Judie Lahr of Columbus; three grandchildren, Douglas (wife Carrie) Lahr of Indianapolis, Scott (wife Nicole) Offutt of Alexandria, Va., and Rene (husband, Frank) Godoy of North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Colton, Parker and Norah Lahr of Indianapolis, Elyssa and Caillou Godoy; and daughter-in-law, Roz Ann Offutt , all of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, David S.  Offutt; a son-in-law, James A. Lahr; a grandson, Brian J. Lahr; a brother, Robert Offutt; and a sister, Frances Ralston.

Rev. David Lee will conduct a celebration of life service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Wright Chapel at Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 W. Jefferson St. in Franklin. Military rites will be presented by the Franklin Honor Guard. Following the service, a reception by Bill's family will take place in the fellowship hall at FUMC for friends and family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions can be sent in honor of Bill to the "Benevolent Fund" of Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 W. Jefferson St, Franklin, IN  46131.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the Offutt family at www.meredith-clark.com.