William DePuy

September 8, 1922 ~ June 20, 2012

The exceptional and hard working life of William Edward DePuy came to pass on June 20th, 2012. Known as a “jack of all trades” he was a strong, hardworking, Christian family man who never let his family go without.

William’s life began on September 8, 1922 in Yankton, South Dakota to Ralph and Ericka DePuy. As a young man he joined the Army to serve his country in WWII in the South Pacific. It was his journey home after the service that his life forever changed.

The bus trip home on Christmas Eve was interrupted by a snow storm and the bus broke down. He noticed a young woman sitting next to the bus driver to avoid all the servicemen on board. Though William was a bit “frisky”, her words, he struck up a conversation with Jean, who would be the love of his life.

They began a courtship through letters and he was able to visit her hometown on a couple of occasions. On his last visit they stopped by a jewelry store window and he asked her what ring size she wore. She didn’t know, but let him know in code in her next letter. One year and two days after their snowy introduction William and Jean were married. They would have been married on Christmas Eve to make their courtship a tidy year, but the priest they needed to perform the wedding was “all booked up”.

They remained together for sixty-five years and build a home that included three wonderful children, who all were put through college by dad’s work ethic. He wore many hats in his career working in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a young man, building roads to Mt. Rushmore. He even worked in the Rail Road industry as a Gandy Dancer. His twenty five years in Maintenance Repair for the State of Oregon is where he left his biggest mark. He was never selfish with his knowledge and mentored his son in law, Robert, on the ins and outs of Maintenance Repair.

William bookended each day with prayers, 23rd Psalm and 121 Psalms.

He was loved by all and touched many lives.

William is preceded in death by his grandson, Patrick; mother, Ericka (Anderson); father, Ralph DePuy; and brother, Walt.

William is survived by the young lady on the bus, his loving wife, Jean (Hoopingarner); the children who enriched his life, Glenda, Ralph and Connie; four grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who know grandpa loves them and will be watching over them.

Williams final resting place will be at Belcrest Memorial Park. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Heart Disease Association. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.

To continue reading William’s life journey visit www.HED-FH.com and share your memories and condolences with the family.