William Brown French, 88, passed away on Wed. April 10, 2013 in Kerrville. He was born on Aug 05, 1924 in East Prairie, MO to Porter French and Grace Arthur. As a young man, Bill worked in a bakery. This experience served him well later in life. Bill worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp as a baker at Camp Bungalow in Idaho. He later served his country during World War II as a sergeant in the Army Air Corp working once again as a baker His specialty was pies. After his discharge from the service he met and married his wife, Phyllis Hobbs and together they had two daughters, Gaynelle and Lea. He worked and retired as an accountant for Exxon (Houston) and worked part time for Bill s TV and A/C Service. Bill was a Master Mason and active member for over 25 years in Gray Lodge 329, Houston, TX. After retiring more than 30 years ago, Bill and Phyllis moved to the Hill Country. He enjoyed Big Band music and square dancing. He always enjoyed working on his cars and trucks whether it be just keeping up with the maintenance or doing complete restoration. In his later years, he enjoyed compiling music CDs for his friends. But Bill s true passion in life was giving advice and guiding his family in daily or life decisions. He was preceded in death by his parents, Porter French and Grace Arthur McGrew.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Hobbs French of Kerrville; daughters, Lea Fendley and husband Jim of Fulshear, Texas, and Gaynelle Barnett of Peculiar, MO; grandchildren, Andy Fendley and wife Helen, and Lisa Gould and husband Nathanial. He is loved and will be missed by many other family members and dear friends. Memorial service will be held 1pm, Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Wright s Funeral Parlor.
In lieu of flowers, Bill would wish donations be made to Peterson Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Kerrville, TX 78028, Phone No. (830) 896-7770
