Homer D. Minniear

Homer “Bill” D. Minniear, 85, of Lafayette, died at 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at his residence. He had also wintered in Winter Haven, Fla., for the past 25 years.
Born June 12, 1924, in Battle Ground, he was the son of the late William and Helen Zea Minniear. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1943. He served in the Army from Sept. 10, 1943 to March 15, 1946, stationed in Karachi, India, at 181st General Hospital.
On Dec. 23, 1943, he married Rosemary Ferguson in Abilene, Texas, and she survives.
Mr. Minniear worked at Fairfield Manufacturing for 38 years and at the time of his retirement in 1984 he was a superintendent. He previously had been a part-time car salesman in Lafayette and Delphi for 24 years, and drove a school bus for Battle Ground schools.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 11, CBI Veterans Group, 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge 492 and a former member of the Eagles Lodge. He is one of the last members of the Mikels and Minniear basketball team that played in the 1940s for Battle Ground High School.
Surviving with his wife are his children, James R. Minniear (wife: Carolyn S.) of Lafayette, Janis R. Stevens (husband: Bruce L.) of LaPorte, G. Steven Minniear (wife: Heide) of Venice, Fla., and Patricia J. Kamp (husband: F. William) of Cypress, Texas; and a sister, Martha Halsema of Lafayette.
Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 sons, Terry L. Minniear and Timothy P. Minniear; and brothers, Carl Minniear, Omer “Sam” Minniear, William Minniear Jr. and Frankie Minniear.
Visitation 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service 1 p.m. Friday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, the Rev. Dr. James Morin officiating. Interment at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Those wishing may contribute to the American Cancer Society.

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