William Daugherty, Jr.

William “Bill” Daugherty, Jr., 81, of Berne and a former resident of Penn Township, Jay County, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on February 13, 1936 in Indianapolis to William and Mary (Schelm) Daugherty, Sr. He was married in 1957 to Pauline Guard. She preceded him in death in 2001. He was married in 2002 to Eileen Sprunger.

He was a 1954 graduate of New Palestine High School and a 1958 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Agricultural Science and Economics. He had a passion for farming and operated a thriving dairy operation for many years in Penn Township, Jay County. He was an avid Purdue University basketball fan and spent many hours watching basketball live and on TV. He was a veteran of the US Army National Guard.

In 1967, he started his first Southern Gospel singing group, “The Christian Brothers”. In the early 1980s, the group evolved into the current quartet known as “The Christianaires”. They traveled extensively throughout the Midwest and southern parts of the United States. The Christianaires recorded many albums over the years and were in the process of finishing their latest release. His love for gospel music was his great passion, and he was happiest when singing for the Lord. September of this year would have marked his 50th anniversary of ministry in music.

He is survived by his wife of Berne; two sons, Ron Daugherty of Indianapolis; and Don Daugherty of Plymouth; two step-daughters, Carol Sokolsky; and Gloria Newman, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister, Georgia Ambrose of Ft. Myers, Florida; two grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Esther Ryan; grandson, Bryce Daugherty; and step-grandson, Jeffrey Pyle.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12 and one hour prior to the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, May 13 at Faith Evangelical Church, 9496W CR 200S, Dunkirk. Officiating will be Pastor Harold Miller. Burial will be at IOOF Twin Hills Cemetery in Pennville.

Memorials may be made to Faith Evangelical Church, Gideon’s International, or The Christianaires ministry.

Arrangements provided by Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Online condolences may be made at www.williamsonspencer.com.