William E. “Bill” Birge, 72

William E. “Bill” Birge, 72, of Avon, Indiana, formerly of Jasper, passed away at 7:50 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015, at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis.

Bill was born in Jasper, Indiana on July 14, 1942 to Cyril And Antoinette (Kunkel) Birge.

Bill was a 20-year U.S. Navy Veteran stationed on San Salvador Island, Bermuda, and San Diego, California, among others. He lived in San Diego before moving back to Jasper in 1991, where he became co-owner and operator of The Gallery framing studio for almost 20 years. He was a professional, published artist and contributed murals to the Dubois County Museum and 10th Street Elementary School.

He had a longtime interest in computers and taught basic computer classes to the elderly. He had a love for animals, especially dogs, and for a time was active in K-9 search and rescue. He had a passion for astronomy and was a volunteer for the SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute.

He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, and football, especially the San Diego Chargers.

He is survived by one son, Monty Birge and his wife Rachael (Keller) of Avon; two grandsons, Eric and Zachary Birge; four sisters, Judy Calley and her husband Bob of Sebastian, Fla., Jane Birge of Beaumont, Texas, Betty Anderson and her husband Rick of Muncie, and Kathy Eckerle of Jasper; four brothers, Jerry Birge and his wife Mag, of Jasper, John Birge and his wife Lisa of Jasper, Jim Birge and his wife Donna of Long Beach, Cali. and Bob Birge and his wife Barb of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents, is one son, Erik, who died in infancy.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.

Private services were held at Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or to ASPCA.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.