William "Bill" Cramer, of Bargersville, IN. passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the Hearth at Stones Crossing Assisted Living Center in Greenwood, IN. Sometimes known as “Tractor Bill”, he was a farmer all of his life. He was born to Robert and Waneta (Lee) Cramer on October 12, 1932 in Morgan County, IN. He was raised in Morgan County and attended Martinsville Schools. The Cramer family moved to Johnson County in 1950. On July 20, 1952 he married Shirley June Sledge.
Bill was known for starting the Southern Indiana Farm Toy Show that is held each November at Johnson County Fairgrounds. He was a collector of farm toy tractors as well as the full size antique tractors. Over the years along with his farming, he was employed with the following: Farm Bureau Co-op in Bargersville, Indianapolis Stock Yards, Bargersville Supply, and Campbell’s International Implement in Bargersville. He is a former board member of the Johnson County Fair Association. He volunteered many years at the Indiana State Fair heading up the Antique Machinery Field. He was a member of the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association, Morgan County Antique Machinery Association, as well as Shelby County, Greensburg and Tipton. He served on the Union Twp. Trustee Advisory Board. He was a past member of the Ridge Riders Saddle Club. He loved riding his antique tractors in parades and going to many antique tractor shows and pulls.
He was very proud that Cramer Farms was selected “2010 Johnson County Farm Family of the Year. He loved being with his family and was just a big kid at county fair time and Christmas each year.
Survivors include: His wife of 66 years Shirley June (Sledge) Cramer of Bargersville, IN, children: Susan (Howard) Friend of Bargersville, IN., Steve (Bonnie) Cramer of Trafalgar, IN., Stan Cramer of Bargersville, IN., Sam (Penny) Cramer of Franklin, IN., Sara (Jim) Dickinson of Bargersville, IN. Grandchildren: Matt (Jessica) Bridges of Trafalgar, IN., John (Emily) Cramer of Bargersville, IN., Bob (Tori) Dickinson of Bargersville, IN., Bill Cramer II of Trafalgar, IN., Jenny (Ryan) Peiper of Franklin, IN., Jessalyn ( Jamey) Garrrett of Greenwood, IN., Brian Cramer of Trafalgar, IN., Ami ( Dusty) Stamm of Pittsboro, IN., Chad (Danielle) Friend of Anderson, IN., Great Grandchildren: Madisyn Dickinson, Josslyn Cramer, Charlee Cramer, Waylon Cramer, Mason Bridges, Harrison Bridges, Raelyn Bridges, Chase Peiper, Alex Peiper, Emmett Garrett, Bailey Cramer, Olivia Friend, Cody Paranilla, Kylie Stamm, Kourtney Stamm, and Casey Stamm. Also surviving is a brother, David (Gardenia) Cramer of Bargersville, IN., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sally (Chuck) Carvin and a sister, Bobbie Lee Thomas.
His nephew Frederick Thomas, will conduct a service on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 10 AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin. Friends may call Monday, August 20, 2018 from 3PM till 8PM at the mortuary and Tuesday 9AM till service time. Burial will be in Harris Cemetery in Union Township, Johnson County, IN. Memorial contributions can be made to the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association in care of Dwayne Hansford 2364 South 625 West Shelbyville, IN. 46176. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.