In Loving Memory of William D. Roach Sr.
On June 6, 2024, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ welcomed William D. Roach Sr. into
His eternal embrace. Born on October 21, 1931, to James and Francis Roach, Bill lived
a life marked by profound resilience, boundless curiosity, and unwavering dedication to
his family and community. Preceded in death by his five brothers—Vernon, Bob, Jean,
Jack, and Albert—and his adopted daughter, Susan Warren, Bill’s legacy continues
through the lives of those he cherished.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Setsuko Roach (affectionately known as Toni), with
whom he shared a remarkable 71-year marriage. His memory lives on through his four
beloved children: Deborah Smith (and her husband Plen Smith), Kathleen Hamblin (and
her husband John Hamblin), William D. Roach Jr., and Patricia Lewsader (and her
husband Eric Lewsader). Bill was also the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren:
Dawn, Jason, Plen III, Sara, Tei, Sylas, Johnny, Patrick, Jared, and Jessica. His legacy
extends further to nineteen great-grandchildren: Kelsea, Alyssa, Ethan, Austin, Gracie,
Eli, Benjamin, Isabella, Isaac, Mason, Lilly, Callista, River, Juliet, Clay, Cecilia, Nolan,
Jax, and Benjamin, and four great-great-grandchildren: Alex, Jett, Chayton, and
Kaydon.
Bill’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of discovery.
Orphaned at a young age, he found refuge and education at the Otterbein Home in
Lebanon, Ohio, where he formed lasting friendships and memories. Despite early
challenges, Bill’s innate curiosity and determination led him to pursue a diverse range of
experiences.
After leaving the orphanage, Bill pursued a brief career on the silver screen in
Hollywood. He appeared in films such as “Cattle Queen” and “The Red Badge of
Courage,” showcasing his talent and versatility. His charisma and screen presence also
landed him roles in various commercials of the Golden Age for prominent brands such
as Polaroid. Despite finding early success in acting, Bill felt a deep yearning for a more
meaningful and intellectually fulfilling life. This led him to pursue higher education,
enrolling at Otterbein College and later Ohio University. His academic dreams, however,
were put on hold with the outbreak of the Korean War.
With resolute determination and a strong sense of duty to his country, Bill volunteered
for the army. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a drill sergeant and later a
corporal, where he played a crucial role in preparing recruits for the challenges ahead. It
wasn’t long before he was transferred to the front lines of Korea, tasked with overseeing
massive artillery weaponry. Bill’s bravery and leadership earned him several medals,
including the Combat Infantry Badge (his most prized accolade), the Korean Service
Medal, the UN Service Medal, two Service Stars, and the National Defense Service
Medal. He was also awarded a Purple Heart, which he humbly refused, believing that
injuries were simply a part of war.

During his service in Korea, Bill was injured and sent to a hospital in Otsu, Japan, to
recover. It was there that he met the love of his life, Setsuko Uesugi. Their meeting was
serendipitous and transformative, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. After
their marriage, Bill decided to stay in Japan, where he transitioned from military duties
to a role in the U.S. intelligence community and later the U.S. Embassy. His work was
crucial during a time of rebuilding and reconciliation.
In 1957, Bill returned to the United States to continue his education. He earned a
degree in education and, driven by his unending quest for knowledge, went on to obtain
a master’s degree in political science. Bill’s passion for teaching led him to inspiring
roles at Woodrow Wilson, Wiley, and Indiana State University, where he impacted
countless lives with his wisdom and dedication.
Bill’s deep interest in government and public service inspired him to campaign for a seat
in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
Although the bid was unsuccessful, it paved the way for a distinguished 12-year tenure
in the Indiana State Legislature House of Representatives. He served from 1974 to
1982 representing District 49, and from 1982 to 1986 representing District 45. His time
in the legislature was marked by a commitment to his constituents and a drive to effect
positive change.
Bill was not only a public servant but also an entrepreneur. He founded a successful
construction company specializing in bridge-building and other projects in the Terre
Haute area. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to collaborations with his wife, Toni.
Together, they persuaded the Japanese firm Kyoto Kosakai to invest and build a tofu
plant, Kyoto Foods, in Terre Haute.
Bill and Toni were instrumental in forging the initial Sister City bond between Tajimi,
Japan, and Terre Haute. Their tireless efforts brought cultural events such as the Tajimi
taiko drum show to the historic Indiana Theater and the “Art of the Japanese Kimono:
1900 to the Present” exhibit at Indiana State University’s University Art Gallery. The
Sister City relationship they nurtured continues to flourish, a testament to their
dedication to cultural exchange and community building.
Following retirement, Bill continued to enjoy fishing, the outdoors, spending time on the
water, and enjoying family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were fishing and
house boating with his family. He also had a passion for woodworking and was an avid
reader and storyteller himself. Bill’s unwavering dedication to his community, the arts,
education, and cultural awareness were his life’s passion. He was the rock of his family,
and we will deeply feel his absence and forever cherish the memories he leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in
Bill’s honor. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to be
announced.

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