Billy W. Gaunt

Billy W. Gaunt, 90, of Decatur, Indiana passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, February 11, 2020, at his residence.

He was born on June 13, 1929, in Adams County, Indiana to the late Wayne Z. Gaunt and the late Elma R. (Bittner) Gaunt. On March 11, 1951, he married Betty C. Young in Pleasant Mills, Indiana and she preceded him in death on March 30, 2001.

He served his country in the Naval Reserve during Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion.

Billy was a member of Salem Community Church, Amateur Trap Association, and St. Mary’s Blue Creek Conservation Club. He enjoyed helping with the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program in the North Adams School District.

He was a graduate of Decatur High School. After high school, he was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in New York. He retired in 1987 from Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire with 28 years of service.

Billy was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his family. Among his many hobbies, which included traveling and hunting, his favorite past time was Bass fishing. In his younger years he and his wife, Betty were able to visit 49 of the 50 states, missing Alaska. Billy could be found watching many different sporting events in the front room of his house at any time. But, his favorite sport and team would always be IU Basketball.

He is survived by two daughters, Diane (Art) Crozier and Linda (Dr. Ron) Hammond both of Decatur; two brothers, Tom Gaunt and Roger (Beverly) Gaunt both Decatur; sister, Mary Lou Gribler of Decatur; five grandchildren, Tasya (Jeremy) Hannon, Ian Beres, Tonya (James) Teer, Dr. Allyson (Ryan) Feasel, and Ashley (Dr. Zach) Grey; and five great-grandchildren, Mercedes Hannon, Quinten Teer, Kairos Feasel, Kannan Feasel, and Kayson Feasel.

Billy was preceded in death by a sister, Elnora Braun.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor James Compton officiating. Burial will follow at Tricker Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and also from 12 noon until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Salem Community Church or Blue Creek Conservation Club.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.