William "Bill" Armstrong

Bill Armstrong was a man his family could depend on to support them, to care for them and to love them. He had a talent for restoring antique furniture and also collected crystal. He proudly served in the Navy during World War II. He was a faithful husband, loving father and devoted grandfather who dearly loved his family.

Born on April 6, 1920 in Wayland, New York to William and Ruth (Bullock) Armstrong, William, or Bill as he was called, was the only boy out of five children. His sisters were named Marion, Josephine, Esther, and Doris. The early years of Bill’s childhood were known as the “roaring twenties”, earning their name from the prosperous times. Bill had a typical childhood, playing with his siblings and friends and attending the school, nearby.

After his schooling, Bill transferred to White Pigeon Mi while working on the railroad. To earn extra money he also helped deliver the US mail, while making deliveries Bill met Vera Fisher, whose father was the post master of Moore Park, MI. Bill proudly joined the United States Navy to do his part to defend the country during World War II. He joined on October 16, 1941 and served in the European/African and Middle Eastern theatres in anti submarine warfare. He was with the Patrol Squadron 83, later renamed the Bombing Squadron 107. He retired as Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Devices Reciprocating Chief E-7.

During the war, before he was shipped overseas, Bill came home to marry his sweetheart, Vera Fisher. They were married on May 24, 1942, only able to spend a little time together, before Bill was shipped out.

While serving overseas, their first child George was born on naval base in Norfolk Va. Vera returned to Michigan to be with family to raise George while Bill finished out his hitch. After completeing active service Bill joined his family in Michigan, later their two beautiful daughters, Kathryn and Lynne were born, completing the family of five. Bill remained active in the Navy until 1966, when he joined the Naval Reserves serving for another twenty years. It goes without saying that Bill was very patriotic and proud of the United States. He thought there was no greater honor than serving one’s country in the military. As a father, Bill was just as dedicated as he was in the military. While Bill and Vera both loved the children, Bill was the one that connected with them. He gave them his love and support, as well a discipline when they needed it. He was always there for them and they knew he loved them dearly. The family lived for a while at Moore Park and while the children were still youngsters, they moved to Portage, Michigan. Bill continued supporting the family, finding employment at Durmetallic, in Kalamazoo. When they could, Bill and Vera packed up the kids and headed back to New York to visit family and friends.

Bill had a knack for restoring antique furniture and he also enjoyed collecting crystal. In his quieter moments, he could be found listening to hymns or big band music. He also enjoyed watching old westerns, and Jackie Gleason on T.V. Monday nights were spent watching Matt Dillion on Gunsmoke, something Bill would never miss.

After retirement, Bill and Vera moved to Muddy Ponds, Tennessee (a small town between Nashville and Knoxville). Bill continued with his interest in antique furniture restoration and he and Vera enjoyed walking their adopted dogs, Sunshine and Happy.

When Bill and Vera became grandparents, they reveled in this new role just as they had in their role of parenthood. They helped out as much as they could in whatever way they were needed the most.

Bill was a man cut from the cloth of the Greatest Generation. He was dependable, strong, and patriotic. While he didn’t always display his emotions, his children knew he loved them dearly. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

William J. “Bill” Armstrong of Plainwell, died April 24, 2009 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Bill, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends on Saturday (today) at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900. A service to honor his life will be held Sunday, 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Moore Park Cemetery, Moore Park, MI. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters; Marion, Josephine, Esther, and Doris. On May 24, 1942 he was united in marriage with Vera (Fisher) Armstrong who survives. Also surviving are 3 children; George (Vivian Franklin) Armstrong of Plainwell, Kathryn Cook of Schoolcraft, Lynne (Lee) Scheffers of Plainwell, 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorials contribution s may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice or the American Legion post #84.