Billy James Lee Labonte, age 77, of Porter, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020. He was born on March 12, 1943 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. On September 11, 1965, Bill married Mary Hall. He retired in 1999 from E J & E Railroad where he worked as a yard master for 35 years. In his free-time, Bill was an avid bowler. He enjoyed woodworking and prayed for snow in the wintertime so that he could plow. He will always be remembered by his family as a fun-loving character.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Labonte; son, John (Veronica) Labonte; daughter, Tamara (Dave) Heaton; grandchildren, Brandon English, Ross Craft, Michael Heaton, Nathan Labonte and Alexis Labonte; brothers, James Hall, Gordon Hall, Danny (Ingrid) Hall, Ernie "Buckwheat" Hall; sister, Doris Gast; and many loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hurbert and Ruth Mattox; brothers, Thurman and Edgar Hall.

A funeral service for Bill will take place Monday, June 8, 2020 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, 2020 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Per CDC recommendation, it is requested that visitors adhere to social distancing guidelines. He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .