William Deary

On August 14, 2018, a graveside committal with full military honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery for William M. Deary, Jr. "Bill", followed by a memorial gathering and luncheon at Lakewood Assisted Living. Fort Custer is located at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, Michigan. Attendees are encouraged to arrive no earlier than 10:15 a.m. The ceremony will start at exactly 10:30 a.m. Lakewood Assisted Living is located at 16396 M-89, Augusta between 46th St and Augusta Rd (5 miles from the Cemetery). On July 25, 2018, Bill passed away at the age of 92 in the Galesburg home he built over 68 years ago. He was born on July 31, 1925 in Pontiac Michigan the son of William Deary Sr and Edith (King) Deary. A great nature-lover, Bill ran his landscape and nursery business from his home for over 50 years and was active in the Landscape and Nurserymen's Association in which he received several awards for excellence. He also was an Eagle Scout at the age of sixteen and was an active leader in the Galesburg Boy Scout Troop #265 since 1963. He was well known by many residents of the greater Galesburg area and was known for his good humor and generosity. Bill and his late wife, Edna, to whom he was married to for 67 years, were dedicated to providing boys with opportunities for wholesome activities. Bill and Edna in their retirement travelled throughout the continental United States in their RV and relished the natural environment and all its beauty. An outdoorsman to the end, he maintained a marvelous vegetable garden that contributed to his healthy lifestyle. Bill was also a World War II veteran who survived a German prisoner of war camp after the B-24 bomber in which he was a gunner was shot down. One of his proudest moments was participating in the Honor Flight for WWII veterans from Kalamazoo in 2014. Bill is survived by his two sons, Dan (Joan)Deary of Farmington Hills and Dik Deary of Kincheloe, as well as his two sisters, Kate Williams and Milly Lacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Troop #265, c/o Gary Newton, 2543 North 37th St., Galesburg, MI 49053. Friends and family are encouraged to leave a condolence message at www.joldersma-klein.com.