William D. "Bear" Kinser, 88, of Franklin, passed away April 15, 2015. The son of Clarence D. Kinser and Jessie F. Brann Kinser Callahan, William was born September 1, 1926 in Greenwood.

Bear was a 1945 graduate of Ben Davis High School. He served in the U. S. Army. In 1993, after 46 years of service, he retired as an order clerk from Link Belt. William was a member of Whiteland United Methodist Church; served as a Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 215 in Whiteland. He was an avid woodworker, making toys and furniture. He enjoyed fishing at Sugar Creek and in Canada and followed the Indianapolis 500 race.

Survivors include his wife, Alice R. Mellinger Kinser of Franklin, whom he married in Greenwood on May 31, 1946; son, Arthur D. "Butch" (Susan) Kinser of Enon, OH; daughters, Pam (Bob) Michel of Ft. Wayne, Linda Nicholls of Hoopeston, IL and Judy (Scott) Odom of Anderson; brother, Richard (Loreen) Kinser of Indianapolis; sisters, Shirley Vleck of Greenwood and Suzy (Gately) Marks of Indianapolis; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services 1:00 p.m. April 20, 2015 in Wright Chapel at The Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Additional visitation 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. April 19, 2015 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood. Burial at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin United Methodist Community, Special Olympics or Disabled American Veterans.