William E. Wakefield

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained from me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!" Although very unexpected by all those touched by Bill's life on earth, Bill Wakefield was welcomed home Wednesday, March 17, 2010, into the arms of his heavenly Father. Born October 23, 1957, Bill Wakefield grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Carrollton Presbyterian School. He earned a bachelor's degree at Tulane University, where he played baseball, followed by a master's degree at LSU. After serving as a probation officer in both Baton Rouge and Dallas, he earned a second master's degree at East Texas State University in counseling. Bill worked at the Minirth Meier Clinic in Dallas and then moved to Baton Rouge, serving as a private practice counselor for the past 20 years. Bill was a dedicated and giving husband and father, ever serving his family; his unique sense of humor and love of athletics defined him in many ways. His love for Jesus Christ fueled his passion for ministry to others. He selflessly touched many lives through Front Line Ministries, his church involvements and his counseling relationships. Bill will be missed greatly by his wife and two daughters, Joyce DeWit Wakefield, Sara Elizabeth and Margaret Joy; uncle and aunt, Charles and Theresa Lynch; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Wakefield Jr. and Mary C. Goedde Wakefield. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Sunday, March 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visiting at Istrouma Baptist Church, 10500 Sam Rushing Drive, on Monday, March 22, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. A memorial account has been opened in Bill's name (at any Regions Bank) to benefit his daughters. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1.