Billy D Waits

WAITS, Billy D.
Portage Passed away Saturday, September 11, 2010. Billy was born March 2, 1938 in Black Oak, AR, the son of Hamlin and Velma East Waits and had lived in the Portage area for many years. He had worked for the Gibson Guitar Company for 17 years until they left Kalamazoo. He then worked for the Upjohn Company, which later became the Pfizer Co., where he retired after 25 years of service. In his spare time, he loved all sports, including bowling, fishing and was an avid golfer. He and his wife, Donna, loved spending their winters in Florida, where Billy became the head cook at the Condo Association. On August 6, 1960, Billy married Donna Tassell, who survives. Also surviving are their daughters, Michele Marty Zoiss of Indianapolis, IN and Vicki Steve Bogema of Portage; his grandchildren, Ben & Amanda Zoiss and Adam, Madison, Megan & Tori Bogema; his sister, Sandy Randy Wells of Galesburg; and 2 nieces. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 PM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. with Pastor Greg Wood officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 PM. Memorials may be given to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508