Bill Wachsmann

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of William "Bill" Lawrence Wachsmann, of West, who passed away Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, at Hill Regional Hospital in Hillsboro, at the age of 86. Bill was born on June 10th, 1940, in Tours, and was the 10th child of Leopold and Anna Marie Wachsmann. He attended St. Mary's School in West and graduated from Reicher Catholic High School in Waco.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Tokio Baptist Church near West, with Rev. Terry McElrath officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Prairie Grove Cemetery near Aquilla, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel.

Bill is survived by his sons, Mitchell Wachsmann and fiancé Robin Thorp of West, Danny Wachsmann and wife Kathryn of Idaho, and Casey Wachsmann and wife Ashley of West; brother, George Wachsmann; sister-in-law Judy Grier of West; and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving grandfather to Krystal and fiance Jake Bingham, CJ, James, Alyssa and husband Michael Mala, Erika, Elizabeth and Wyatt Wachsmann and a great-grandfather to Trystin and Autumn Orler-Bingham, Gracelynn Marsh, Layla and Jameson Bingham, and Nevaeh Villarruel, who will forever miss him dearly.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Clara Wachsmann; his parents, Leopold and Anna Wachsmann; brothers, Andrew, Alphonse "Pete", Joe, and Leo Wachsmann; sisters, Anna Zanter, Margaret Schroeder, Hattie Williams, and Estelle Wright; and a brother-in-law, Doc Grier.

Bill was a man who valued hard work, family, and the simple joys of life. He took great pride in providing for his family and spent many years working hard for Mrs. Baird's bakery in Waco. Bill and his beloved wife, Clara, shared 63 years of marriage together. Their life together was built on love, commitment, family, and countless memories. Bill's years of military service were another meaningful part of his life. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in South Korea during the 1960s, where he worked as a mechanic.

Bill cherished the time he spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up and enjoyed supporting them in everything they did, whether it be sitting at a horse show, attending a sporting event, or simply spending time with family. Bill was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching football. His presence, stories, sense of humor, and love for his family will be deeply missed. Those who knew Bill will remember him as hardworking, devoted, and family oriented who lived a life filled with service, dedication, and love. His memory will live on through his family and people's lives he touched throughout his 86 years.

Active pallbearers are Neill Wachsmann, Kevin Wachsmann, Keith Henson, Rick Morosky, Derek Maler, and James Pilgrim.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tokio Baptist Church.