William J. "Bill" Courtright, age 83, of Hobart, passed away Monday, June 16, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 20, 1930 in Hammond, Indiana to the late William and Bertha Courtright. Enlisting in the Army at the age of 16, Bill proudly served his country in the 23rd Infantry Combat Team and 37th Combat Engineer Company from 1946-1949. He was member# LM1826 of the Veterans of Underage Military Service. After his military service, Bill returned home to work as a Union Carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #599 in Hammond, Past Commander of the American Legion Post #54, Life member of the National Rifle Association since 1966 and Past Master and 33rd degree Mason of the M.L. McClelland Masonic Lodge #357 of Hobart. Bill was especially proud of his work with scale model development of aircraft at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Eleanora Borkert Courtright; sons: Richard (Beth) Courtright, William (Emilia) Courtright and Eric (Debra) Courtright; daughter: Ruth (Frank) Angotti; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister: Grace (Owen) Resetar; niece, Susan Resetar; beloved dog, Dutchess and his cat, Rainbow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bertha Courtright. Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area, Inc., 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321.

A Masonic service with full military honors for Bill will take place Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com