W.F. "Bill" Wellman is a man who's love for his country and community is expressed every day in the most endearing way. As the senior vice president of Whiteco Industries, star of his own autobiography "It's Made to Sell Not to Drink!", former marine and dedicated player of taps every night, Wellman is a man who has done it all and will receive his fair share of attention thanks to the SSCVA's upcoming event.
Wellman was born in La Porte, before settling into the Valparaiso community. At the age of 17 he joined the Marine Corps and as stated by our previous coverage as a Life in the Spotlight recipient, this is where his respect for "Taps" came into play.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Wellman attended both Valparaiso University and Indiana University through the GI Bill. Along with his father, he helped to open a western themed bar the Corral. Besides being a bar owner, Wellman is credited as introducing the famous Indiana popcorn brand, Orville Redenbacher to the owner of the Famous Holiday Inn chain and, therefore, introducing the famous popcorn as their go-to choice of popcorn for Holiday Inns across the country.
Wellman then went on to become involved in a variety of business ventures including the opening of the now famous Star Plaza Theater. Together with Whiteco Industries owner Dean White, they built a theater larger enough to attract tourists and famous acts including Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, and Dolly Parton.
However, Wellman's most recent act is his nightly, patriotic ritual of playing Taps at the Courtyards of Pepper Creek where Wellman plays every night from his home. His experience serving during World War II is his drive, letting him honor those lost in battle and letting the residents of Valparaiso aware of its patriotic and historic significance.
The SSCVA and Star Plaza Theater will honor the legacy of Wellman and other Veterans for their upcoming event "A Lifetime of Showbiz: The Tribute to W.F. "Bill" Wellman". This event will feature a one on one conversation with Wellman and a performance by the award-winning Valparaiso High School Band, whose mix of patriotic tunes will act as the perfect compliment to this special night.
What this event offers is the chance to see a man who usually comes from a legend. A man who has spent his life always moving forward, overcoming the challenges put in front of him and hearing about a life well spent, a life that has lived life to its very fullest and served our country in a way that can never be repaid.
A Lifetime of Showbiz: A Tribute to W.F. "Bill" Wellman takes place on November 11th at Star Plaza Theatre from 7 pm to 9 pm.
To find out more information about this event, please visit the SSCVA's Website.or visit the Official Facebook Event Page as well.
Check out the video below for more information on this great event.
