William M. Moran, age 97, passed away on March 31, 2026. 

Born on April 11, 1928, in Connersville, Indiana, William was the son of Harry and Josephine (Suttles) Moran. He attended Connersville Central High School, graduating in 1946. As a young man, William was a dedicated altar server at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, sparking a lifelong commitment to his faith.

 Like his father, grandfather and uncles before him, William was a lifelong tool and die maker, a craft he took great pride in. He began his career in his hometown at Ready Machine Tool & Die and went on to work throughout the Midwest, representing Ford and later Visteon. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication, he continued working until he retired at 76, building many friendships along the way. He was honored to serve on the Dale Cemetery Association Board after retirement. William was a veteran, serving his country in the Air Force Reserves and later in the United States Army. His service spanned the end of World War II and the beginning of the Korean War, with time spent stationed in Guam and the Philippines.

 On April 4, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Jean (Moistner), beginning a lifelong love that spanned decades. Phyllis preceded him in death on October 20, 2014. 

William was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Phyllis raised three children: Bonnie Jo (Friant) and Dennis Patrick Moran who both preceded him in death, and Cynthia Jean (Kirk) Hobbs, who survives. 

He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Rachel (Brian) Shelton, Emily (Brad) Freshour, Kristopher Hobbs, Nicholas (Stephanie) Moran, Kenton (Wendi) Hobbs, and Allison (Nick) Cummings; as well as ten great-grandchildren. He adored his cherished pets Snowball, Faith, and Haley. He carried immense pride in those he loved and in his Connersville roots, frequently sharing stories of his upbringing and the people who shaped him—especially his grandparents, William and Ethel Suttles, who held a special place in his heart. He had a gift for storytelling, often reminiscing about cherished moments like receiving his first basketball from his grandfather and taking his first train ride. He loved cars, baseball, and basketball. His laughter came easily—when something amused him, you knew it. Above all, he made sure the people in his life knew they were loved. He never ended a phone call or visit without saying “I love you.” Having lived through decades of change, celebration, and hardship, he was an enduring presence in the lives of those who knew him. His family will forever cherish the many memories he created and the love he gave. For so long, it felt as though he would always be here with us, and he will be deeply missed.

A visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. The funeral service and burial will be private for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church in William’s honor.