FRANKLIN
William Richard “Bill” Furnish, 64, passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at his residence in Franklin.
Bill was born Nov. 21, 1950, in Franklin to Dennis L. and Beryl (Heitz) Furnish.
He is survived by his sister and husband, Joyce and Robert Kleinrath of Boston, Massachusetts; niece, Leigh Kleinrath of Boston; and nephew, Ian Kleinrath of Boston as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in passing by his parents.
Bill was a 1969 graduate of Franklin High School. He continued his education at IUPUI, taking courses in history and writing. He was drafted in 1970. He served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division Infantry, during the Vietnam War. After serving his country, he attended the John Herron School of Art Institute in Indianapolis.
He was employed for 36 years at Maschmeyer Nursery in Whiteland.
He was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Franklin. For many years, he was a scout leader. Bill was a great outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, kayaking, biking and gardening. He had a lifetime passion of painting and through this, shared his paintings with family and friends. He was a grand collector of Native American artifacts. Bill so valued his family and friends.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31 North), in Franklin with calling from noon Wednesday until the time of service. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery where Military honors will be conducted by the Franklin American Legion Post No. 205.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin, IN 46131.
Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.net.
