A familiar face that literally poured many foundations in the community passed away early Thursday, August 10, 2017 at his home in Osgood. Billy Lee Schmaltz, age 83, was born on January 19, 1934, the son of the late Clarence and Olive (Vonvolkenburg) Schmaltz. He married Patricia Ryan on October 12, 1974, and she still survives at home.

Upon completing high school in Holton, IN, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. Once his service to his country was complete, he returned home to run his own businesses. He was dedicated to his businesses, always believing in providing an exceptional product and service. Bill had success early on opening and operating Schmaltz Body Shop in the early 1960’s and running it through the middle 1970’s. In 1968, he also opened Schmaltz Ready Mix Concrete and saw it continue to grow and thrive for the next 40 years. In 1983, he added Laughery Gravel Company in Aurora and Rising Sun, and they continued until his retirement in 2007.

His true passion though came in the need for speed…he began in the early 1950’s drag racing cars. This led into Super Stock Cars with White Lightning being his first! He raced in many different places, some of which were Bristol, TN, Atlanta, GA and Cleves, OH where he broke a track record. After retirement, he and Patricia were able to enjoy traveling to Europe and different places in the US. They were always together. He will be sadly missed by his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife Patricia, daughter Lynn Schmaltz of Versailles, and one brother, Robert Schmaltz of Madisonville, KY. He was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Summers, and two brothers, Ralph and Barry Schmaltz.

Services will be all in one day, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Neal’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon when the funeral will begin. Burial will be at Tanglewood Cemetery near Versailles. Memorials may go to Tanglewood Cemetery. There will be military graveside services by the Osgood AM Legion and Napoleon VFW.

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