Wilbur L. "Bill" Sohn went to his heavenly home on December 5, 2018 . Funeral service will be conducted at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday December 8, 2018 at 3PM, With Military Burial at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. Bill was born in Baltimore, MD on July 30th, 1926 to Gustav and Agnes Sohn. He lived there until July 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until January 1946. He was assigned to the Aircraft carrier Hornet and participated in 10 battles in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, earning various medals including South Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, National Defense Medal, Presidential Service Medal, as well as Meritorious Service Award with 2 oak leaf clusters and Good Conduct Medals in the Navy and Air Force. He was discharged from active duty in San Diego, California and began working in a dairy and became a licensed pasteurizer. Bill was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict and served in the "Blimp" (lighter than air) Navy patrolling the coast of Southern California. He decided to make the military his career. While on a trip to Baltimore he met the love of his life, Barbara E. Lawrence. They were married on June 27, 1954 and spent the next 64+ years together. In 1955 as sea duty was becoming more evident, Bill took a discharge from the Navy and enlisted in the United States Air Force the next day. November 15th, 1955. He served with honor until retiring on September 1st, 1974 having reached the rank of Chief Master Sargent. Upon return to civilian life, Bill remodeled the house they lived in since being sent to Goodfellow Air Force Base in 1969. Seeing an ad in the paper he applied and worked for Bob Ingram Realtors, continuing to be a Broker and headed the Southwest College of Real Estate. His hobbies have been woodworking, building furniture, handyman repairs, and being a member of the San Angelo Craft Guild for over 20 years making wooden toys. He and Barbara called themselves "Toys & More". To fill any spare time Bill became an instructor for AARP and taught the Driver Safety Program "55 Alive" Class. He at one time was responsible for 74 counties in Texas and was an Associate State Coordinator. He traveled all over West Texas teaching classes. He served as Ombudsman for several of the local Nursing Home Facilities. Bill also served on the Senior Services Board and the City Recreation Board. He's been a member of RSVP and was inducted into the Concho Valley Hall of Fame along with Barbara. Beside being active in his church, Trinity Lutheran, he was also a member of the Area Agency on Aging Regional Committee. The couple together have visited all 50 states as well as 9 foreign countries. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, two sons: Gary Sohn of Athens, Texas and wife Anita. Gregory Sohn of Austin Texas. Grandson Stephen, wife Kristen and Great Grandchildren Kaleb and Kathryne of Jacksonville, Texas. Grandson Gerhardt, of Pilot Point, Texas, Great Grandchildren Alayna and Gabriel of Rhome, Texas. Grandson William of Pearland, Texas, along with various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents, sister Florence and son Lindsey Alan Sohn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Education Fund-Tuition Assistance, National Parkinson's Disease Foundation or a Charity of your choice.
