Billy Ackerman, 82
July 15, 1929 — March 23, 2012

Billy D. Ackerman, 82, of Dowagiac, died Friday, March 23, 2012, in his residence.

He was born in Granger, Ind., on July 15, 1929, to George and Frances (Archambeault) Ackerman. He married Evelyn May Robinson on Aug. 6, 1949, in Cassopolis. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steve Ackerman; and two sisters, Mary Lou Siczek and Doris Bruens; and one brother, Bob Ackerman.

Billy lived in this area all of his life. He was a groundskeeper for more than 40 years at Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac.

He is survived by four daughters, Cathy Johnson of Elkhart, Judy Sanders of Elkhart, Rosie Young of Niles and Tina Ackerman of Elkhart; five sons, Dennis Ackerman of Traverse City, Ricky Ackerman of Traverse City, Billy Ackerman of Elkhart, Danny Ackerman of Traverse City and Chris Ackerman of Elkhart; 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Caroline Defauw of Mishawaka, Georgia Antisdel of Mishawaka and Kay Wright of Edwardsburg.

Family and friends will gather Friday, March 30, 2012, at 2 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis, with the Rev. Robert E. Vickroy, Pastor of Calvary Bible Church, Dowagiac, officiating.

Mr. Ackerman will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville, beside his late wife, Evelyn Ackerman.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be sent to wagnercares.com.