Bill Stinson, 68, of Indianapolis, passed away suddenly on April 23, 2025. Known for his commitment to family, community, and woodworking, he left a legacy of compassion and generosity. Born February 14, 1957, Bill was the eldest of three children of Robert and Margaret Stinson. He graduated from North Central High School, earned a business degree from Butler University, and married Maria Lopez in 1980. Bill co-founded Stinson Home Furnishings, a respected woodworking business. He dedicated years to Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Club, supporting housing and education efforts.
Born February 14, 1957, in Indianapolis, Bill Anthony Stinson was the eldest of three children to the late Robert and Margaret Stinson. He graduated from North Central High School in 1975, where he excelled in track and field, and earned a scholarship to Butler University. At Butler, he studied business administration, graduating with honors in 1979. During his time at Butler, Bill served as president of the Sigma Chi fraternity and volunteered with local shelters. In 2015, Butler University honored him with its Distinguished Alumni Award for community leadership. During college, he met his future wife, Maria Lopez; they married in June 1980 and celebrated 45 years of marriage.
Bill co-founded Stinson Home Furnishings, a family-owned woodworking and custom cabinetry business serving central Indiana for over four decades. Under his leadership, the company earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and community support. A mentor to many apprentices, Bill’s guidance helped launch numerous successful careers. Outside the showroom, he could be found every Saturday morning with high school friends at the Red Key Tavern, sharing stories over coffee. His business acumen and warm leadership made him a pillar of the local small-business community.
Dedicated to service, Bill served on the board of Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity for fifteen years, helping build affordable homes. He was also active in the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, leading fundraising for youth literacy programs. Bill volunteered as a youth soccer coach at Riverside Park, where families fondly called him “Coach Stinson.”
An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed fishing on Lake Monroe, camping with his grandchildren and tending his rose garden. He shared his love of woodworking with grandchildren, crafting birdhouses and model sailboats. An avid sports fan, he cheered for the Indianapolis Colts and made it a ritual to visit Lucas Oil Stadium every season. His daughter Rebecca said, “Dad taught me that hard work and kindness go hand in hand; his advice guided me through life’s biggest challenges.” Bill’s sense of humor and patient nature touched everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Stinson (née Lopez); two children: Christopher Stinson of Carmel, IN, and his wife, Emily; and Rebecca Stinson of Bloomington, IN, and her husband, Daniel Nguyen; and five grandchildren: Sofia, Lucas, Olivia, Ethan and Harper. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Miller of Fort Wayne, and Thomas Stinson of Chicago. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Stinson.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home, 86th and College Avenue, Indianapolis. A funeral service will follow Monday, April 28, at 10 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, with Reverend Dr. Anne Michaels officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. A reception will be held afterward at the West Pavilion of Crown Hill Cemetery.
