OBITUARY  

Billy N. Scifres, 84, passed away on Monday October 12, 2009 in Westfield, Indiana. He was born February 16, 1925 to the late Jacob and Laura Scifres in Crothersville, Indiana. He married Nancy C. Wellington on September 4, 1954. He is survived by his wife and their three daughters: Donna Riedel (Fred) of Cape May, New Jersey; Joan Kendall (Adam) of Greenwood, Indiana; Patty Rosini (Mauro) of Bahia, Mexico; and 5 grandchildren. He was active in conservation issues and loved the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting and photography were some of his favorite activities, to be done simultaneously if possible. He loved to cook, make wine, and plant vegetable gardens. He enjoyed staying fit by playing tennis and lifting weights. 

Bill was active in the Navy during World War II right out of high school. He attended Hanover College and Indiana University. He worked at the Indianapolis Star for 37 years as Outdoor Editor and writing the column “Lines and Shots.” He freelanced for outdoor magazines and published two books: Indiana Outdoors and Bayou Bill’s Best Stories. After retiring, he continued his column for several of Indiana’s local papers.  He received many awards for his writing and conservation work: Hanover’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Sagamore of the Wabash from Purdue, Conservation Communications Award from the National Wildlife Federation, Conservationist of the Year from the Indiana Wildlife Federation, and was elected to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Bill’s story-telling, knowledge, and love of the outdoors will be missed. A celebration of his life will be held at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel at 9900 Allisonville Road. Visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 2009 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service will be Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 12 pm at the Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel. Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be made to the Indiana Wildlife Federation in lieu of flowers.  

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