William Exley's Obituary
William Hardin Exley, 92, of Peoria, Arizona quietly passed away at his home on May 7, 2015 in Peoria, Arizona with his children and wife present. William "better known as Bill or Billy" was born in Derby, Iowa to Joseph & Carma (Sutton) Exley on October 29, 1922. Billy spent his younger days in Derby and Humeston and graduated from Humeston High School in 1941 as Class Vice President. Bill then joined the United States Army in World War II Serving as a Pilot. While serving his country, William attended Penn State University and received College degree in Electrical Engineering and Piloting. On August 12, 1943, William and Mary Jean Winchell were united in marriage. To this union came three children: Elizabeth, Judith and Timothy. After leaving the service Bill and Jean attempted to live in the Humeston area but economically decided that in 1950 they and their children would move from Iowa to California where he would work for 30 years at North American Aviation supervising the building of Airplanes. Having raised their children and after NAA decided to close their doors they would relocate in 1980 to Kansas where he would finish his career working for Boeing on the Presidents Air Force One. Finally due to health, in 2011, the two made their way to Arizona to live with and near their children. William was a simple man who loved to work with his hands. He enjoyed his garden, working with wood (restoring furniture) and time spent with his family and friends. Bill was a fitting member of the "Greatest Generation", devoted to his country and proud of his service in the United States Army. He believed in an honest day's work, for an honest day's pay. Survivors include his wife Mary Jean Exley of Peoria, AZ, three children: Elizabeth Ousley of Peoria, AZ, Judith Puldas (Gunnar) of Lucerne Valley, CA, Timothy William Exley (Bonnie) of Mission Viejo, CA, eight grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Warren, Joseph Jr., Laurel, Bobby and JoAnn Exley Linn. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Cambria Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Thomas-Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon. In memoriam, donations may be sent to support the VFW Troops who served our country and condolences may be shared at www.thomasrandolphfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Exley please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Cambria Cemetery Hwy S23 & Hwy J22
Corydon, IA 50060 Visitation MAY 13. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT) Thomas-Randolph Funeral Homes 204 N Greeley StCorydon, IA 50060[emailprotected];[emailprotected] Graveside Service MAY 14. 10:00 AM (CDT) Cambria Cemetery Hwy S23 & Hwy J22Corydon, IA 50060
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