William “Bill” Slayback

William Bill Slayback, 80 of Aurora, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Bill was born on September 2, 1939 in Pekin, Illinois, and was the son of the late Garfield “Shorty” Slayback and Elizabeth Blevins Slayback. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Aurora, Indiana where Bill grew up in the home his father built from the creek rock in “Cochran.” Known as one of the “Cochran Boys,” Bill loved to spend his time shooting hoops and later met his high school sweetheart Barbara “Gayle” Watts Slayback, marrying in 1960.
Bill earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education and went on to become a teacher, coach, athletic director and asst. principal. He and Gayle had four children: Janie Van Winkle, Kim Lyttle, Greg Slayback and Beth (Jim) Volmer, and 10 grandchildren: Wade, Shane (Brittany), Brett (Jamiee), and Blake Van Winkle; Lauren (Daniel) Fox, Staci Lyttle (Matt), and Jase Lyttle; Krista (Ben) Moran, Kayla Slayback; Josie Blanton (Josh); and 19 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James “Jim” Slayback and Irvin “Shorty” Slayback.
Throughout his life, Bill had many accomplishments including being inducted into the Hall of Fame for not only South Dearborn High School and Franklin College, but also the State of Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Although he passed on the opportunity to play baseball for the Cincinnati Reds, Bill went on to become a successful basketball player and coach with many athletic achievements.
Those who knew Bill know of his ability to start a conversation with nearly anyone he met, with sports and politics being among his favorite topics. Continuing his life’s passion for sports, Bill was also an avid golfer. Throughout the years, Bill and Gayle enjoyed driving to many different restaurants , however, Sundays were a time for our family to come together at their home for “Sunday dinner”.
Perhaps a quote most indicative of his strong personality, Bill once said, “I’m going to keep doing what I can until the end,” and that is exactly what he did.
Friends and family will be received at the Aurora Recreation Community Center located at 404 Green Blvd. Aurora, IN 47001 on Wednesday, October 16th from 4pm – 8pm. Funeral services will be held the following day on Thursday, October 17th at 11:00 am and will also be at the Aurora Recreation Community Center. Donations may be made to the South Dearborn High School Bill Slayback Basketball Scholarship or The Clearinghouse.