Billy Joe Robertson

Newport, Ind. -- Billy Joe Robertson, 86, of Newport, Indiana, passed away at 7:55 a.m. CST Thursday, November 25, 2010 at the VA Illiana Health Care Center in Danville, Illinois. He was born Nov. 20, 1924 in Vermillion Co., Indiana, the son of the late William Stephen and Jane Adams Robertson. He first married Eliza Belle Kelley who preceded him in death. He later married Annabelle Wallace on July 27, 1962 in Newport, Ind.. She survives. Other survivors include: one daughter, Lucinda Sowers of Georgetown, Illinois; three sons, Steven(Brenda)Robertson of Cayuga, Indiana; Donn(Donna)Robertson and Glenn(Cindy Elkins)Robertson both of Newport, Indiana; three step sons, James(Sondra)Fortner, Dan(Peggy)Fortner and Mark Fortner all of Newport, Indiana; several grandchildren; step grandchildren; great grandchildren; step great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one son, Paul and three brothers, Gerald, Dale and Neil; three sisters, Retha Ryan, Ruth Bush and Melissa Hollingsworth. Billy farmed for sixteen years in Rockville, Indiana, married then moved back to Newport in 1962. He then worked at General Motors in Danville, Illinois retiring in 1986. Billy was a 1942 graduate of Newport High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during W.W. II. Billy was a member of the Newport American Legion Post #184 and the Newport Church of God. He was a devoted husband and father. Funeral services: 11 a.m. EST Monday, November 29, 2010 at DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana; Officiating: Pastor John Hawkins; Burial: Thomas Cemetery, Newport, Indiana; Visitation: 2 to 6 p.m. EST Sunday, November 28, 2010 at the funeral home.