William E. Tidler Sr, age 87, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at IU Health Tipton Hospital in Tipton. He was born on May 31, 1924 in Tipton to Charles O. and Ruth V. (Lewis) Tidler. He was married to Virginia (Cherry) Tidler and she preceded him in death. William was a veteran of the US Army serving in World War II from 1943-1945 in the Pacific Theater. Bill had worked for General Motors in Anderson prior to his job on the railroad. He began with the Nickel Plate Railroad then with Norfolk and Southern Railway, and finally retiring in 1984 from Norfolk and Southern Railroad after 37 years of service as a signal maintainer. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the American Legion Post 46 and Tipton County FOP. He was a founding member of the Kokomo Repeater Club and former Net Control of the 3910 WETNET. William was a member of the Tipton County Amateur Radio Club WA9BXR and W9WET, and a former member of the Moose, Elks and VFW. He was a fine, generous and honest man with a great sense of humor, patience and understanding whose life was dedicated to his family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His granddaughter, Ginger, was his caregiver, friend and protector in the last years of his long life and she had a special place in his heart. Survivors include his children: Charles Tidler, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; William Tidler Jr., of Tipton; and a daughter, Brenda Crousore and her husband Bill, of Walton, Indiana. William is survived by his grandchildren; Ginger (Adam) Wiggington, of Tipton; Sam (Celeste) Tidler, of Qailicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada; Izaak Tidler, of Mansons Landing, British Columbia, Canada; two great-granddaughters: Marlee Jo Wiggington, Macy Wiggington and a great-grandson: Peyton Tidler. Four brothers also survive: Morris Tidler (Marilyn), of Sharpsville; David (Evelyn) Tidler, of Tipton; Phillip J. (Sue) Tidler, of Tipton; and Garry (Sharon) Tidler, of Sharpsville. Three sisters survive: Cherie Mahaney, of Tipton,; Emma (Bob) Hartley, of Elwood; and Evelyn (Bedford) Johnson, of Sharpsville; and many nieces and nephews along with special friends; Stanley & Katie Cherry, of Atlanta and Billie Jo Cardwell, of Tipton. William was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Margaret Long and Donna Epps. Funeral services will be held at 3PM on Friday June 17, 2011 at the Porter Funeral Home in Tipton. The family will receive friends from 12 to 3 PM on the day of services at Porter‘s. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton, IN. The American Legion Post 46 will be providing graveside military honors.

If desired, memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Political Action Committee, C/O BRS 917, Shenandoah Shores Road Front Royal, VA 22630