William R. “Bill” LaCosse, Sr., 92, of Fair Oaks, passed away Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2015 at the Rensselaer Care Center. He was born in Newton County on Dec. 31, 1922, the son of the late Mathew and Nancy Cassie Ann (Williams) LaCosse. Bill attended school in Fair Oaks and was a lifelong resident of Jasper and Newton Counties.

Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. On July 6, 1945, in Rensselaer, he married Violet Evelyn Snow. She preceded him in death. Bill farmed, worked for the Monon Railroad, worked in construction, and retired from the Youngstown Steel Mill in 1983. He was a former member of the Roselawn American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, playing scratch-off lottery tickets, and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his loving family: two sons, William LaCosse, Jr. (Pam Gadberry) of Rensselaer and Larry LaCosse (Sue) of Fair Oaks; one daughter, Vicki Robison (Alan) of Fair Oaks; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and eleven great-great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Mathew and Nancy LaCosse; one daughter, Julie; one daughter-in-law, Walker Sue LaCosse; three brothers; three sisters; and two great grandchildren.

Friends may call on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services with military honors will be held at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. with Jim Michal officiating. Interment will be at Fair Oaks Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to The American Diabetes Association. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.