William P. Bless

GREENWOOD

William P. Bless, 76, Greenwood passed away Friday, May 6, 2016.

Bill was born May 27, 1939, in Indianapolis, to the late Charles and Hazel Bless.

A longtime member of Greenwood Christian Church, he was devoted to his family and had a passion for the game of football.

His love of sports began as a young child; he played football, and was a 1957 graduate of Warren Central High School.

Bill was an educator and coach since graduating from Indiana Central in 1963, where he was co-captain of the football team.

He coached at Greensburg, Whiteland and Mooresville high schools. He was the head football coach for 21 years at University of Indianapolis, also serving as professor in the Health/PE Department for 29 years.

After retiring as the winningest football coach in school history, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame and the University of Indianapolis Athletics Hall of Fame. To this day, his legacy continues with his sons and grandchildren involved in athletics and coaching.

He served on the Greenwood City Council for more than 20 years, and was acting mayor of Greenwood.

Survivors include his wife of 57-plus years, Beverly (Staub) Bless; children, Jennie Bless Schilk (John), Mark Bless ( Nancy), Scott Bless (Laura) and Tim Bless (Jill); six grandchildren, Cassie Crone, Tyler Bless, Gretchen Bless, Charlie Bless, Luke Bless and Tate Bless; sister, Janet Hausz, and brother, Rick Bless.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Bless.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens at Olive Branch Road, 1605 S. State Road 135. The Rev. Shan Rutherford will conduct the service at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenwood Christian Church or University of Indianapolis Greyhound Club.

Online condolences: ghherrmann.com.