William Edwin Lyford, Sr.

William Edwin Lyford, Sr., 95, of Lake Charles died at 7:45 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in a war veteran's home in Jennings, LA.

Mr. Lyford was born on July 25, 1917 in Pana, IL and lived in Lake Charles since 1953. He served as a Technical Master 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II, where he organized 26 bands and traveled to entertain the troops. He was a member of the American Legion W.B. Williamson Post #1. Mr. Lyford was a retired operator/shift foreman from Cities Service Petro-Chemical.

He was a member of the University United Methodist Church. Mr. Lyford belonged to the Mending Hearts. He was also a former member of the Musicians Union in St. Louis and had the privilege of performing in the St. Louis Symphony.

Those left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Martha Marty Natali Ardoin and husband Daniel Ardoin, Sr. of Lacassine; a son, William E. Lyford, Jr. and wife Linda of Dunedin, FL; four grandchildren, Louisa Ann Allgeier and husband Mike, Kym Elizabeth Natali Condon and husband SSG Michael Condon, Charles Martin Natali and Nick Alan Natali; great-grandchildren, Amy Kratzer and husband James Kratzer, Kyle Natali, Ryan Natali, Gavin and Bailey Natali, Tiffany Allgeier Jones, Kyllian and Colby Allgeier; and great-great-grandchildren, Justin, Megan and Brandon Kratzer and Autumn, Isabella and Cheyanne Jones.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kate Elizabeth Lyford; brother, Leo Lyford; and sister, Carolyn Nuckles.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Charlie Langford will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continue on Friday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home for the care given to Mr. Bill.