Ismael "Bill" Velasquez

Ismael Guillermo Velasquez, also known as “Bill” and “I.G.”, 88, of Columbus died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital.Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 23, 2009 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road Chapel with Reverend David Howle officiating. Interment will follow in Linwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, November 22, 2009 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.Mr. Velasquez was a native of LaCeiba, Honduras. Born on May 2, 1921, he was the son of the late Guillermina Bouchard Burke and Ismael Velasquez. He spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, and was a combat veteran of WWII and Korea. Mr. Velasquez was an active member of the 12th Armored Division Association, 152nd Armored Signal Company. After his retirement from the army, he worked for many years at Kirven’s downtown, in the men’s shoe department. He was a long-time member of Edgewood Baptist Church.He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Martha Velasquez of Columbus, GA; three daughters, Diann Barlass of Scotts Valley, CA, Linda Krystof of Pleasant Hill, CA, Virginia Veronica Torres of El Paso, TX; one son, Duane Velasquez of El Paso, TX; four stepchildren, Nancy Ovelmen, William Moore, James Moore, and Melanie Akkoyunlu. eight grandchildren, Jay Arnot, Alphie Krystof, Michael Krystof, Danielle House, Debra Lyn Minz, Adrian Torres, Aaron Torres, Airman First Class, USAF; three great grandchildren, Alaina Arnot, Christopher Arnot, and Melissa Minz; care taker and special friend, Charles Davis; many other family members and friends.