Bainbridge, Indiana - BAINBRIDGE - William "Bill" Lawter, 71, of Bainbridge, Indiana, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at IU Health - Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Bill dedicated 25 years of service as a State Inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture. He was also an educator, teaching at Southmont High School and for Oakland City College at the Rockville Correctional Facility. Earlier in his career, he worked for Browns Valley Co-Op and the United States Postal Service. Bill's true passion was trading; when he was trading, Bill was a happy man.

Born February 17, 1954, in Greencastle, Indiana, he was the son of the late George "Barney" Ralph Lawter and Maxine Everman Lawter. Bill was a loyal son. He and his mother enjoyed spending time together traveling or supporting their favorite team, the Purdue Boilermakers.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Trabant Lawter; his daughter, Ashley Thomas of Marshall; and his two grandchildren, Payton and Kendall Thomas, also of Marshall; and his mother-in-law, Mary Summers.

Bill was a graduate of North Putnam High School and earned his master's degree in animal science from Purdue University. He was a member of Russellville Community Church, a Mason with Alamo Lodge 144, the Rockville Elks Lodge #247 where he enjoyed Thursday evening golfing with his friends. Bill enjoyed a good story, long-winded joke, and a sure-thing side bet with his buddies.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture and youth development, Bill was a devoted supporter of the annual 4-H Livestock Auction and many other youth programs. He raised Border Cheviot sheep for 60 years, purchasing his first Cheviot ewes at age 11. Bill was a part of the Purdue Livestock judging team where his passion grew. He loved to travel to numerous shows across the country, serving as both an exhibitor of sheep and as a judge.

Bill was proud of his hometown of Russellville and loved to share stories of his childhood. He rarely missed a Saturday at the Rockville Sale Barn or his coffee times with his Bainbridge and Rockville pals. His greatest joy was spending Saturdays at the Rockville Sale Barn with his granddaughter Kendall and his "Just us Guys" dinners with grandson Payton.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who have shown love, support, and compassion over the past several months. Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 West Howard Street, Rockville, with visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Hebron Cemetery in Russellville at a later date.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the American Cheviot Sheep Society Youth Fund, 10015 Flush Road, St. George, KS 66535, in Bill's memory. Online condolences may be shared at:

www.goochfuneralhome.com