COLUMBUS
William E. “Bill” Rothrock, 79, of Columbus, passed away at 2:04 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Columbus Regional Hospital.
Bill was born January 3, 1944, in Tower City, Pennsylvania, the son of Meredith “Bud” and Dorothy Lawver Rothrock, who precede him in death.
Bill lived most of his life in the Columbus and Indianapolis area. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1961. He developed skills in engineering and Tool &Die making, becoming a Journeyman Tool &Die Maker and Production Manager. He told many fond stories about his friends and coworkers at Union Carbide, PECO, Quality Machine &Tool and Arvins. He retired from Diamond Chain in 2000. Despite retiring, he relished the opportunity to talk about business, manufacturing and solving the issues of the day.
He enjoyed coaching and following his grandchildren through their sports and activities, and was an avid sports fan, especially IU and Purdue basketball. He loved cars starting as a young boy, and never lost his appreciation for the cars he grew up with; buying, fixing and selling throughout his life. He brought energy to every occasion, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his son, William (Sheri) J. Rothrock; daughter, Laura Rothrock, both of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Blair Rothrock, Blake Rothrock; sisters, Judy (Tom) Murphy of Brownstown, Kathy (Jerry) Mellis of Hope; niece, Shannon (Dion) Gillian; great-niece, Makenzie (Connor) Carpenter and great-nephew, Jacob Murphy.
Family visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. In keeping with the family’ s request, cremation will take place after the visitation.
Inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of America, bgca.org.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Bill’s family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
