Bill was received into the family of God through Holy Baptism at home in Ovila, Texas officiated by a Methodist minister. His church membership was at Miles Methodist until 1948, where he was also ordained into the Holy Ministry of the Lutheran Church in June, 1954, having attained Bachelor of Theology degree from Capital University (now Trinity Ev. Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus Ohio; and completed internship at Zion Lutheran Church, Mission Valley, TX and First English Lutheran Church, Victoria, TX.
His adult education began with graduation from high school in Miles, TX in 1942. After high school, from 1943-1946, he served our country in the Navy, attaining rank of Storekeeper 2nd Class. The military service was then followed with receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University in 1947; he became a Certified Public Accountant in 1949.
Having answered the Call to become a Pastor, upon completion of seminary, internship and ordination, Pastor Bill started his service as Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church (Mission Valley) Victoria, TX 1954-59. Served as Pastor at Faith American Lutheran Church, Weslaco, TX 1959-68; Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church , Texarkana, TX, 1968-79; then Pastor at Park Place Lutheran Church, Houston, TX 1979-90. He officially retired in 1990. In his retirement, he also served as Interim Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Beaumont, TX 1991-92; then as Interim Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Baytown, TX 1994-95. His present membership was at Ev. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Houston, TX.
In addition to his duties and dedication as Pastor in the Service of Word and Sacrament, volunteer philanthropic activities became of interest through membership in the Rotary Club in Weslaco, TX, Texarkana, TX, and Harrisburg, Houston, TX. He became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986.
Interest in family history sparked the search of many hours in libraries, treks through cemeteries, membership in the Houston Genealogical Forum since 1979, culminating in authoring and publishing a book on the Putman family history in 2001.
Pastor Bill is predeceased by wife, Sarah Haynes Putman. He is survived by wife, Paula Cates Putman; Children: Marianne Gould (Mitchell), Mark Putman (Debbie), David Putman (Teresa); Grandchildren: Josh Gould, Travis Gould, Eric Putman; Great Grandchildren: Gavin & Shane Putman; many other relatives and a host of friends.
Blessed be his memory.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18