William Wayne Utzman's Obituary
Funeral services for Willliam Wayne "Bill" Utzman, 89, of Longview will be held at Two O'clock pm Wednesday January 14, 2009 at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home 1617 Judson Road with Dr. Richard Emerson officiating.
Interment will follow in Memory Park Cemetery under the direction of Rader Fuenral Home of Longview.
Mr. Utzman passed away Monday January 12, 2009, at his home after a long illness.
He was born September 18, 1919 in the Pine Tree community and lived in Longview all of his life.
He was a 1938 graduate of Pine Tree High, and graduated from Kilgore College in 1940. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the 1st Armored Infantry, and saw action in Italy and North Africa. He was Gregg County's first Purple Heart recipient of WW II. After returning to the states, he was transferred to the Army Air Corps. He was married to Frances Sides on August 31, 1946.
A carpenter by trade, Mr. Utzman was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America for 73 years, and worked for several area contractors, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Longview and the Loyal Men's Sunday School Class. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Mr. Utzman was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Annie Lou Utzman and two sisters, Mary Ann Shelton and Lou Gene Henderson.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Utzman;son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Deborah Utzman of Longview, son, Brian Utzman of Diana; grandsons, Chris White of Ft. Worth, and Jay Utzman of Houston; 3 great-grandchildren, Madison and Issac White and Matthew Utzman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Texas Home health and caregivers Debbie Marberry, Glenda Rutledge, Dianne McDaniel and Linda Doggett.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?