William Bader

William Bader passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 99 with his family at his side.  He was born on Tuesday, April 3, 1923 in Norwood, Massachusetts to the late Rose Dommitt Bader and the late David Bader.  He was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

William was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He served during World War II in General Patton's 3rd infantry and fought at the Battle of the Bulge.  William received a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, and a Bronze Star for his service. After serving in the military, William came south with six of his friends to play baseball for SLU.  He continued to serve the community here by starting baseball and softball leagues in the area, as well as officiating football, baseball, and basketball games.  William became an educator and a principal after college and had a positive impact on countless students.  He continued his career in education as a substitute teacher later in life, and taught until he was 96 years old.  Recently, William was honored as the People's Health Champion by the New Orleans Saints. His service was also honored by LSU at Alex Box Stadium during a baseball game. William was also interviewed by the Library of Congress, and he is on tape at the World War II Museum in New Orleans.

William is survived by his children, Rebecca Bader, Nora Key and her husband, Gil, and William David Bader and his wife, Dawn; grandchildren, David Key and Hannah Coody and her husband, Sam; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members, both here in Hammond and in Norwood, Massachusetts.

In addition to his parents, William was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorris Hinson Bader; brothers, George Bader, Nicky Bader, Moe Bader, and Nahannie Bader; and sisters, Jenny Fidda, and Josephine Purpura.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Boulevard, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Sunday, March 12, 2023, beginning at 12:00 PM until the funeral service begins at 2:00 PM.

Interment will follow in New Beulah Baptist Church, Hammond, Louisiana.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. William Gilbreath, who was there every step of the way for William and his family. They would also like to thank the nursing staff at North Oaks Hospital who took such good care of him, many of whom William taught and impacted during his years as an educator.

Pallbearers for William will be William David Bader, David Key, Kennon Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Christian Martin, Jacob Martin, Marshall Ponder, and Barrett Ponder.  Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Wilson, Donnie Sibley, Lynn Hinson, Alan Goudeau, David Sibley, and Sean McCalla

Donations can be made in Williams name to Hope for the Warriors.

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