Billy Frank Minton

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rose Maria; sons, Tom Minton and wife Hayley of Coppell, TX and Robert Minton and wife Sharon of Cumberland Furnace, TN; sisters, Louise Blake, Jo Ann Grigson and Frances Mayo of Diboll, TX; brother James Minton and wife Sandra of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Michael, Brittany, Victoria, Kaylee, and Klara Minton, Jessica Birchwell, and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Smith L. Minton, and sister, Joyce Nofsker.

Bill was born on June 17, 1940 in Kenndard, TX to Lewis and Jewel Minton. He graduated from Diboll High School in 1958 and attended Stephen F. Austin University. In June 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. His first tour of duty was in Nuremburg, Germany where he met the love of his life, Rose Maria Hoedl. They were married in May 1964. Bill had a distinguished military career of 26 years with tours of duty in Fort Lewis, Washington, Vietnam, Schweinfurt and Hanau, Germany and Korea and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. His awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, two Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Government Accommodation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and German Army Marksman Medals Bronze and Silver. Upon retiring from the Army, he was hired as a JROTC instructor at Copperas Cove High School where he taught for 15 years. He was an avid community supporter and volunteer including President of the Quarterback Club, Chairman of the Board for the Housing Authority, President of the Noon Exchange Club, and in 2016 was awarded the Golden Deeds award by the Exchange Club for his outstanding community service. He was also a devout Christian, deacon in his church, and actively involved in many activities of the church.

Bill was a loving husband and father who gave so much of himself to his family, community, and country. He was a true patriot who epitomized a life of servant leadership to God, Family and Country.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. August 12, 2019 at Kempner Oak Hills Baptist Church. Dr. James Spurgeon will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Billy's life. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen Texas. A visitation will be held August 11, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. at Crawford Bowers funeral home in Copperas Cove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Kempner Oak Hills Baptist Church in Kempner, TX.