William Byron Rouse , 88, of Albion, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2024, at his home.

Born on April 20, 1936, in Marion, Indiana, he was a son of the late Carl E. and Naomi (Case) Philebaum. He began school in Marion, later moving to Montpelier.  He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1955.

He had served with the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic.

On October 18, 1986, he married Lula Jeanette Harding.  They have always made their home in rural Albion.  Lula died on March 12, 2023.

He joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 166, Fort Wayne, and worked throughout the area.  The union awarded him a 50-year membership.  A Wolf Lake United Methodist Church member, he also belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks-Columbia City and the former Eagles Club.

He enjoyed fishing the area lakes and tinkering in his pole barn.  In his younger years, he liked to play pool and bowl.

Surviving are his children, Jeffery (Maureen) Rouse of Tacoma, WA, Phyllis (Harold) Rice of Port Allen, LA, Paul Rouse of Fort Wayne, Dennis Rouse, Joseph Rouse of Fort Wayne, James Rouse of Columbia City; stepchildren, Robert (Marlene) Addison of Columbia City and Jane (Jack Meyer) Cole of Albion; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Culbertson, Joyce Philebaum, Juanita Philebaum, Shirley Bartrum and a brother, Eugene Philebaum.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by siblings Ronald Philebaum, Elizabeth Sutton, Evelyn Hale, Glen Hale, and Chauncey Philebaum.

The funeral service is at 1 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside his wife at the Thorn Cemetery near Ormas. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials in William's honor are to the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church.