William Kent Masters

Funeral services for William K. Masters are scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 20, 2104 at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler with Bro. Wayne Thompson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery.

William K. Masters went home to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 16, 2014 at the age of 94. He was born in Hayes Co., NE to William C. and Sophia Meyer Masters. He graduated salutatorian of McPherson County High School in Tryon, NE. He later served his country in the United States Navy. He was a radioman and rear gunner on a torpedo bomber serving on the USS Lexington. He flew 504.4 combat hours in the Pacific Theatre, earning the Air Medal with three stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He married Ursulla V. Perry in 1946 and together they had four children. He was known for his musical ability, playing the guitar, violin, fiddle and banjo. He was employed as a carpenter in California, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas. Together with Ursulla, he owned and operated Masters Cake Shop in Chapel Hill. William was a member of the Noonday Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Ursulla V. Masters; son John (Betsy) Masters; daughters, Virginia Lester, Roberta (Carlton) Cadenhead and Dorothy (Michael) Ragan; grandchildren, Julie (Brent) Thompson, Katherine Masters, Elizabeth Masters and husband Alan Goldich and Matthew Ragan; great-grandchildren, Abigail and Wyatt Thompson; brothers, Victor Masters and Gene (Sheryl) Masters; brother-in-law John (Judy) Perry and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, and son-in-law, Von Lester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion, 5503 American Legion Road, Tyler, Texas 75708.