Billy John Kaiser

Billy John Kaiser Surrounded by family, our loving father, Billy John Kaiser, went to be with the Lord on Sunday at the age of 80. Succeeding his wife, Betty DuLaney, in death, he is survived by three sons, Richard D. (and Sharman), Mark (and Susan), and Grant (and John); four grandchildren (Coryelle (and Michael) Higdon, Shawn Kaiser, Nathan (and Christina) Kaiser, and Carolyn Kaiser); longtime loving companion, Aileen Carter; four great grandchildren (Alexander, Spencer, Savannah, and Scarlett Higdon); and a large extended family. Bill spent his early years in West Texas, and later in North Texas, where he met Betty. He served in the United States Coast Guard during the Second World War, and returned to North Texas to begin his married life with Betty. As avid supporters of higher education, Bill and Betty moved to Austin so that their three sons could attend the University of Texas. Their hopes were fulfilled when all three sons graduated from UT. Despite not having the opportunity to attend college himself, he imparted a strong work ethic and a commitment to lifelong learning to all of his family members. After 41 years of dedicated service at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Bill retired but remained an active member of the company's Pioneer organization, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, of which he was especially proud. His interests ranged from genealogy to acting. He successfully pursued acting in various roles and became a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Consistent with his love of Texas history and family ancestry, he served as President of the Austin Genealogical Society and was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Sons of the Confederacy, and the Sons of the American Revolution. Additionally, Bill was a 32nd degree Mason (Scottish Rite of Freemasonry) and a member of the Ben Hur Shriners of Austin. Bill will always be regarded as a dedicated father and grandfather, a loyal and generous friend, a storyteller par excellence, and a fervent fan of the UT Longhorns. From tilling gardens to strolling through bluebonnet fields to watching sunsets, he was happiest when outdoors. "Paw Paw" never met a stranger and is loved by all who crossed his path. Visitation will be held at Austin's Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd. on Tuesday, November 11, from 6-8 p.m. The service will be at 12 noon, Wednesday, November 12, also at Weed-Corley-Fish, and interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Betty DuLaney Kaiser Scholarship Fund at Texas State University. Gifts may be mailed to: Texas State University Attn: Donor Relations 601 University Drive, JCK-480 San Marcos, Texas 78666 The family expresses deep gratitude for the outstanding care and affection Bill received from the staff of Parmer Woods, Visiting Angels (especially Brenda LaPointe), and St. David's North Austin Medical Center.