William "Bill" Willson

Memorial services to honor and celebrate the life of Captain William G. Willson, Retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, will be at 1:30pm Saturday October 30, 2010 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Rt. Revd D. Bruce MacPherson D.D., Bishop will preside at the service, assisted by The Very Reverend John G. Meyers and The Reverend Deacon Frances C. Kay. Burial will be at St. Johns Cathedral All Souls Walk in Denver, Colorado. Captain Bill Willson Passed away Monday evening October 25, 2010 at his Sulphur home. He was born in Colorado, moved to old Maplewood during World War II. He was a Sea Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Award. He won speech and debate awards at Sulphur High School. He earned his BA from SLI, Lafayette LA and his Masters from Iliff School of Theology, Denver CO. He retired from the Navy in 1983 after 32 years of meritorious service to his country. With his Cherokee heritage he often was the Indian representative for the Chaplains Corps. Upon retirement he served as Vicar at St. Lukes Episcopal Mission, Westcliffe CO for 16 years until his health forced a move to Louisiana. He then served the Diocese of Western Louisiana at Good Shepherd. Captain Bill with the capturing smile and sense of humor is preceded in death by his parents, JWC Willson and Willdagene Willson Lancaster. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Ann Willson and his four daughters: Ann Barthrop, Sue Fredendall, Kay Willson and Billie Jo Hermansson and their spouses and families; his brothers Jim and Stan Willson and their spouses Grace and Karen; and his sister Darlene Fritzinger. His legacy will endure in the future with 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Americas Vet Dogs: Veterans K-9 Corps, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, New York 11787-2976 or to The Episcopal Church of the Good Sheperd.