This June, just weeks after Most Worshipful Grand Master John Bridegroom took the helm of Indiana Freemasonry, it feels appropriate to honor the memory of the first Grand Master from our own lodge, the late Most Worshipful Brother William Blasingame.
While the Grand Lodge website currently lacks detailed information and imagery regarding Porter Lodge's first Grand Masters, we understand this is likely an ongoing archival project and expect those historic records to appear in due time. For now, our research has yielded two versions of his obituary along with a brief entry regarding his passing from the Freemasons for Dummies blog. The following texts preserve the history of his life and service.
Most Worshipful Brother William "Bill" Blasingame, Past Grand Master of Freemasons for the state of Indiana 1996-97, and Past Master of Porter Lodge #137 passed away yesterday, February 22nd 2010. Bill had been in frail health recently and had moved from Valparaiso to Indianapolis last year.
There will be a service held at Porter Lodge #137 in Valparaiso, Indiana on Saturday, March 6th. Visitation 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Masonic Service at 1:00 p.m., with fellowship to follow.
Please keep Bill's wife Dianne and his family in your prayers.
His brethren mourn. RIP
WILLIAM D. BLASINGAME
33rd Degree Mason Past Grand Master of the Indiana Grand Lodge of Masons William "Bill" Blasingame, was born in Little Rock, AR to George and Estetta Mae (Tilley) Blasingame on November 1, 1938. Bill passed away at home with family at his bedside on February 22, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: George and C. Frank Blasingame. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Hassel) Blasingame; son, William Frank (Joanne) Blasingame; daughters: Tami Burchert (Kevin Maxey) and Tracy (Tom) Moritz. He was a loving grandfather to ten grandchildren. Bill was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. he served as Worship Master of Porter Lodge #137 and Potentate of Orak Shrine, and Past Patron of Valparaiso OES, Associate Guardian of Jobs Daughters, and DeMolay Dad. Bill attended George Washington University and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Purdue university. he retired from Bethlehem Steel as a Senior Planner in charge of the Planning and Engineering Technical Maintenance Department after 36 years. Bill's hobbies included model railroading, youth organizations, and Masonic activities. A memorial service will be held on March 6, at Valparaiso Masonic Lodge, 113 Lincolnway. Visitation at 12:00 noon and Masonic Services at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Indiana Masonic Home, Shriners Childrens Hospital, or charity of your choice.
