Dr. William Howard Cordell Jr.

William Howard Cordell Jr., M.D., 73 years old, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, at home surrounded by family following an extended illness. William is survived by his wife Terri Cordell, son Corey Cordell (Caroline), two grandchildren - Nicholas and Julia Cordell, and his brother, James Cordell (Betsy), his nephew Will Cordell (Madeline), and his loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William Howard Cordell Sr., and his mother, Carrie Marie Cordell.

William, lovingly known as Bill (among many other nicknames), was a creative and compassionate physician, husband, and father. He enjoyed teaching, mentoring, and entertaining everyone who knew him, including the residents, nurses, and fellow doctors during his time in the Emergency Department. Bill never failed to add his witty and quick sense of humor. He loved exploring and trying new experiences with his family and grandchildren.

Bill graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1969 and continued on to pursue a degree in medicine from IU School of Medicine in 1977. Bill worked 25 years at Methodist Hospital in the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center as a clinical physician and research director. He was involved with the startup of many new medical advances, including the beginning of LifeLine Helicopter. In 2002, he became a research scientist at Eli Lilly and remained there until his retirement.

Bill had a passion for art and music and enjoyed playing the piano, synthesizer, and keyboards. He helped form a band called the Cousins from Venus, and his stage name was Mr. Peabody. They played regular gigs at the Vogue, Patio, weddings, and parties. Beyond music, his love of art was often seen in small comic-style sketches, which often highlighted his witty sense of humor.

Bill loved his family and enjoyed numerous vacations spent with them, especially on the most recent family Disney Cruise vacation. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. In his spare time, Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed watching movies, especially those pertaining to World War II history. He had a special place in his heart for historical airplanes like the B-17, B-25, and specifically the B-24 Liberator because of his Uncle Homer.

Funeral arrangements are at Indiana Funeral Care on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, from 2-4 pm, with a prayer service from 4-5 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at George’s Neighborhood Grill at 6 pm. Memorial gifts in his name may be made to Gennesaret Free Clinics in Indianapolis and/or Indiana University School of Medicine Emergency Medicine Residency.