William "Bill" Parker Stouffer passed away peacefully at his beloved home "Never Finished" in Wabash, Indiana on March 5, 2026. He was born September 7, 1946, to Joseph and Ruth (Lee) Stouffer. 

Bill graduated from Southwood High School, Wabash, Indiana, in 1964, and headed off to Ball State University. There he met Kathleen Ellen Porter, his first real date. He married her on August 23, 1968. 

Bill was an artist, woodworker, and collector, although his 4-year college major was accounting. His first collection, at five years old, were bottles filled with blue water. From there, he surrounded himself with every imaginable treasure he found interesting. His home was a museum of historical magic. He was an antiques divvy. Bill was reading the encyclopedia at age 7 and continued to be a consumer of printed material at one time taking 80 magazines and reading them each month. Just a note, he was sat in the hall for a week in second grade because he wouldn't do his phonics papers, because as he said, "I can read". 

Bill started at Data View in the early 1980's as their company artist until they closed the art department. At that point, he decided to concentrate on his real love of painting, sculpting, and wood working. He opened the Stouffer Gallery in 1995 and made it available to other artists and himself for shows. He designed the interior and made and hung all of the beautiful moulding on the walls and ceilings. The fireplace was a masterpiece of design and beauty. The exhibition of the authentic table that the surrender of the South was signed upon was exhibited in the Gallery, as well as signatures and letters from the first 7 American Presidents, as a gift to Wabash historians. A beautiful example of Bill's woodworking skills is the 10-foot painted cupboard that now lives in the Woman's Clubhouse China room. As Bill continued to paint, his work was hung in several prominent office spaces and purchased nationwide. He designed the Wabash Mural in the Tremont parking lot before it was the fad. His very first painting, "McNarney's", won the Jury Prize of Distinction, Traditional at the Hoosier Salon, 1973. Bill's artwork was published by the Robert Lang Calendar Company on cards, calendars, and boxes sold nationwide. 

Bill was especially knowledgeable about architecture. His great grandfather, Joseph Hipskind, built the Wabash Carnegie Library, which made Bill extremely proud to serve on its board for 20 years. Bill was instrumental in encouraging the board to purchase the large sidewalk clock outside of the library, and getting the crown restored to the top of the building. Bill was also instrumental in the restoration of the 130+ year old building that houses the Wabash County Historical Museum and the interior layout of exhibits. The antique bricks he worked hard to salvage were used to redo Charley Creek, The Dr. Ford House Museum, The Woman's Clubhouse, Lagro restoration and other historical homes in need of authentic bricks. He designed the porches and state required ramp for the Woman's Clubhouse. 

In 2025 he received the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. Unfortunately, he was too ill to enjoy this recognition. Bill served on the Park Board for 20 years and several mayoral committees. Bill and Ellen were honored with an exhibition of their art at the Wabash Historical Museum in 2014. He will be well remembered by friends for his crazy stories about Wabash and its own town folk. 

Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Ellen, sisters, Jody (Dan) LaSalle, Bette Jo Brane, and many nieces, nephews, and grands. He was especially proud of their individuality and accomplishments. Kelly Schuler and David Ericsson were his chosen children. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, Janet Sweet, brother in laws Bob Sweet and John Brane, 2 grandnieces, and 1 grandnephew.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Wabash Friends Church, 3563 S. State Rd. 13, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana. 

Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Wabash Woman's Clubhouse, 770 W. Hill St., Wabash, Indiana 46992 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Should you choose to remember Bill for his contribution to Wabash, please make a donation to the Woman's Clubhouse, 770 W. Hill St., Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with William "Bill" Parker Stouffer's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com