William Howard (Bill) Womer

William Howard (Bill) Womer, 80, of St. Joseph, MI passed away at his home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Portage Prairie United Methodist Church, 2450 Orange Rd. Niles, MI 49120. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. Burial will follow at Portage Prairie Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, www.sjpsfoundation.org or St Joseph Sailing Junior Foundation, www.sjjf.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Bill may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Bill was born on June 29, 1941 to Clyde and Shirley (Hohmann) Womer in Niles, Michigan. Bill graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1959 and George Williams College in 1970. Bill served in the US Army from 1966 to 1968 during which time he was stationed in Germany and Southeast Asia as part of the 509th Airborne, 8th Infantry Division. Bill reentered the Army in 1983 ultimately serving for 26 years and retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major with many awards and medals including the Meritorious Service Medal (3 times), an Army Achievement Medal, and the 4th Army NCO of the Year. Additionally, Bill was a teacher for St. Joseph High School for many years, which included acting as the men’s swim coach at St Joe coaching many students to success at the college and national level.

In 1976, Bill served as the campaign chairman in Michigan’s 6th Congressional District for President Gerald Ford’s presidential campaign. Additionally, in 2008 he served as a Michigan delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, MN.

Bill was very involved in the St. Joseph Jr. Sailing Foundation, St. Joseph River Yacht Club, and Lest We Forget. He was a life member of the Elks, American Legion, Retired Enlisted Association and the DAV Disabled American Veterans. Additionally, Bill was a member of the City of St. Joseph Lighthouse Fund.

Bill is survived by his brother David (Connie) Womer of Noblesville, IN, sister Pamela (Danny) Womer Burton of Connersville IN, sister-in law Jean Womer of South Bend, IN, nephew, Wesley Womer, and nieces Pamela Wilfing, Sara Hawn, Elizabeth DeMeester, Sally Potters, and Lauren Symons. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde & Shirley Womer and brother Peter Womer.

2/6/2022 EJS