Born on Friday, December 30, 1932, to the lates’ James Robert Wathen, Sr. & Anna Lucille Abell, Bill was “born in the middle, with 6 siblings above and 6 below.” Bill served his nation with pride and honor in the United States Army, during the end of the Korean War. Stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, Bill served as a Corporal with the Headquarters & Headquarters Battery of the 40th Field Artillery Division, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was Catholic by faith and a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. Bill retired from General Electric as a Forklift Operator having dedicated 33 years to G.E, after he very much enjoyed his retirement. During his life, and the younger years of his children, Bill worked two jobs most of the time, providing for his children and allowing them to have a very good childhood. He was great woodworker and built doghouses sold at H & R Hardware. Bill Loved his family dearly. He lived a full – life! A life – well – lived!
Besides his parents, James Robert, Sr. & Anna Lucille Wathen; his wife of 59 years, Martha Louise Wathen; son – in – laws, Larry Lesch and Melvin Wolfe; and his 12 siblings, precede Bill in his passing.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Carolyn Lesch, Martha (John) Tally; Annie Wolfe and Bill (Rhonda) Wathen, Jr.; 7 – grandchildren, Kenny (Emilie) Tally, Jennifer (Jason) Story, Angela (Darren) Wright, Cody (Brittany) Wathen, Lindsey (Christian) Pacheco, Dylan (Kassie) Wathen and Shelby (Hunter) Wolfe; 9 – great – grandchildren, Liam, Nathan, Lincoln, Mollie, Hudson, Lucy, Violet, Rhett and Levi; several nieces and nephews; plus, a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church with Kenny Tally, Nathan Tally, Cody Wathen, Dylan Wathen, Liam Chism and Lincoln Chism, serving as pallbearers. Following the Mass, Bill will be laid to rest in the Louisville Memorial Gardens – East with Military Honors, where he will rest alongside his wife, Martha, for eternity. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home - Okolona Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home - Okolona Home, "Where Personal And Sincere Service Is Tradition.
