Bill enlisted in the United States Army on November 25, 1942 and served his country until his honorable discharge on November 27, 1945. For his faithful service to his country, Bill was awarded five Bronze Stars for campaigns in Normandy, N. France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He also was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with 3 Overseas Bars, and the Victory Ribbon.
After returning home from the service, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Hance in Baxter County, Arkansas on June 18, 1947. They shared over 35 years of marriage together and were blessed with eight children: Charlie, Billy, Donnie, Jackie, Charles, JoAnn, Debra and Barbara Ann.
Bill was a shoe cobbler by trade. He worked for his father as a young boy repairing men's and women's shoes. He became a cab driver and worked on Fort Leonard Wood for many years before becoming a custodian for the Waynesville school district. In his free time, Bill enjoyed working with his hands, whether it was building things or working outside in his garden. He always had a smile and was happy to see family and friends.
Bill passed away at 8:15 A.M. Sunday, September 12, 2004 at the Life Care Center of Waynesville at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 20 days.
Bill will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by five sons: Charlie Hance and his wife, Annette, Billy Fenton and his wife, Stephanie and Charles E. Fenton all of Waynesville, Donnie Fenton and his wife, Beverly of Roby and Jackie Fenton and his wife, Missie of St. Robert; two daughters: JoAnn Simpson of Marshall, Virginia and Debra Baker and her husband, Terry of Newburg; one sister: Wilma Adair of Kirkwood, MO; 14 grandchildren: Angie, Michele, Beth, Lesa, Chasity, Stacey, Jackie Dale, Brian, Mary, Daisy, Allison, Scott, Cassie and Danielle; 15 great grandchildren: Brittani, Hailey, Colten, Colby, Chance, Cody, Dakota, Troy, Madison, Quintin, Katy Jo, Madison, Logan, Anthony and Terrahn; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his daughter: Barbara Ann Fenton; one grandson: Stephen Baker and two brothers: Everett and Robert Fenton.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 15, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Richard Breeden officiating. The songs "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross" were played. Serving as escorts were Colten Carmack, Nathan Carmack, Billy Fenton, Charles Fenton, Jackie Fenton, Jr., Pat Fincher, Chuck Ousley and Jack Williams. Serving as honorary escorts were Brian Baker, Cody Fenton and Terry Wood.
Burial with military honors followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Bill Fenton and may be left at the funeral home.
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