William James Utsman's Obituary
William James "Bill" Utsman passed away January 12, 2012, in Longview. Mr. Utsman was born October 3, 1931 in Streetman, Texas, the son of Basil and Eula Utsman.
He graduated from London High School in 1950. Bill continued his education at Kilgore College before transferring to Texas A & M University. He graduated in 1955, and was involved in many campus activities. Bill was commander of the 2nd Regiment, Student Senate Member, Executive Officer of the Ross Volunteers, distinguished student, distinguished military student, a member of the Town Hall staff and The Aggieland staff the yearbook, and Who's Who at A & M.
After graduation he fulfilled his commitment to the army and served at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma.
Bill was an avid historian and was for many years an active member of the East Texas History Club. His focus was mainly on military strategy, and he was an expert on Civil War history, American history and World War II history. He was also dedicated to preserving the memory of those who died in the London School explosion in 1937, and was a volunteer at the London Museum where he loved to tell the history of the community and of his pride in the many survivors of that tragedy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Eula Utsman, his brother John Utsman, and his sister, Frances McCarty.
Survivors include his wife, Danita Utsman; his daughters, Mary Margaret Harrup, Dallas, Texas and Elizabeth Rochester, Plano, Texas; Danita's children, Steve Ruffner, Argyle, Texas, Amy Roberts, Cedar Park, Texas, Suzanne Ruffner, Austin Texas, and Sharon Bradley, Amarillo, Texas; niece Kathleen Utsman and nephew John B. Utsman, Jr., both of Midland, Texas; twelve grandchildren, and a host of friends.
His family and friends would like to thank the staff of Beacon Hospice for their care and support while caring for Mr. Utsman during his last days.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Cremation arrangements were provided by Rader Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the London Museum, P. O. Box 477, New London, Texas 75682, or to Beacon Hospice, 5016 Gilmer Road, Longview, Texas 75604.
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