William Eugene Hostetler

Bill was born in LaPorte, IN on June 24, 1951. He graduated from LaPorte High School in 1969 where he was a trumpet player in the school band for 3 years. During this time Bill, otherwise known as ‘Hoss’, was well known for his avid love of race cars. The entire town knew him for his one-of-a-kind orange and black Z28 Camaro which he drove through town after a race still sporting his Michelin slicks. Bill received his Associate Degree in Science and General Business in 1983 from Florida Junior College at Jacksonville. On February 29, 2000, he married Rhonda ‘Cookie’ Hostetler.

Bill enlisted in the United States Navy during his senior year of high school, starting boot camp the summer after graduation. His military career began in Patuxent River, MD with VP24 aviation squadron which later transferred to Jacksonville, FL. He served two six-month deployments in Iceland. During his second deployment he spent a month in Norway working with the Norwegian Navy. Prior to his military discharge Bill was awarded the National Defense Service Metal followed by an honorable discharge in 1975.

Bill’s love for racing reemerged when he bought his first Corvette. He joined a local Corvette club and spent many weekends competing in various races, locally and statewide. One of his racing highlights was also attending the Gator Nationals.

A major highlight in recent years was an Alaskan Cruise with his children, Chris and Kim. This trip of a life-time was a major bucket list item that far exceeded any expectations for fun and family time.

The door to his future automotive business ownership began at Buddy Baker’s Automotive Shop where Bill worked for many years. Buddy was his boss but also became a good friend. When Buddy retired closing his shop, Bill worked various jobs before opening his own business, Automotion Carburetion. After many years Bill hung up his wrench and sold his company thinking it was time to retire. Bill was not one to remain idle however; so, he moved on to a part time job with O’Reilly Auto Parts, where he continued to work until his passing.

Bill was a member of Westside Christian Church where he was in charge of selecting men to serve communion, helping with the food pantry, counting attendance and maintaining the upkeep of the playground by cutting the grass, wishing to provide a safe play area for the children. He also acted as security for the entrance during services. Bill enjoyed reading, working in his yard, handyman work and, of course Nascar and NHRA racing. We would be remiss if we failed to mention his devotion to his beloved University of Florida Gators. He was the definition of a true fan whether the Gators were playing football or basketball. Bill’s last night on this earth was spent watching the Gators play against Auburn in the Final Four. As we know they advanced to the NCAA Championship game against Houston which became the Gators first championship since 2007.

Bill is survived by his son, Chris Hostetler, daughter Kim Hostetler Boyer (Brandon), step-daughter Donna Brown Sutton, stepson Jason Tyner (Tabitha), grandchildren Mallory and Lukas Boyer, Emily Gumula (Chris), Jonathan Davis, Vince Hattabaugh (Angie), and great-grandchild Ollie Hattabaugh. Bill was also survived by siblings Marge Skwiat-Gloy of Michigan City, IN, Loretta Miller of Abilene, TX and twenty-three nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda ‘Cookie’ Hostetler, father John Henry Hostetler, Mother Evelyn Grace Hostetler (nee Lehker) and brother Andrew Hostetler all of Walkerton, IN, as well as three nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Family and friends gathering will take place one hour prior to the service at Westside Christian Church, 10123 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Inurnment Service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 following the Celebration of Life Service. After the Inurnment Service all are invited back to Westside Christian Church for a fellowship meal. Bills favorite dress shirt was pink, so he would often comment that even real men wore pink. As a way of celebrating Bill’s humor guests could consider wearing an article of pink clothing to his service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1301 Palm Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 or online at http://give.baptistjax.com

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 is serving the family. Please leave words of comfort and condolences for the family on our online guest register at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com