Msgt. William E. Elson “Bill”

Obituary

Class of 1949

Mar. 12, 1930 – Dec. 26, 2005

Msgt. William E. Elson, USAF, Ret. died on Dec. 26, 2005, at his home in Boise, Idaho at the age of 75. A graveside service in celebration of Bill’s life will be Friday, Dec. 39, 2005 at 1 p.m. at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Grigsby and Rev. Olin W. Fish. A viewing for his family and friends will be Thursday, December 29th from 4-7 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes. 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise

Bill was born on March 12, 1930, the son of Jerome Elmore and Frances Linna (Gifford) Elson. He graduated from Weiser High School in Weiser, Idaho in 1949 and attended  Parkland College I Champaign, Illinois and Boise State University. On Dec. 23, 1949 he married Edith Keeney at the Assembly of God Parsonage in Weiser, Idaho. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Olin W. Fish. Bill joined the United States Air Force on Dec. 1, 1951 after serving in the National Guard in Weiser, Idaho. While in the Military William was stationed in Amarillo, Texas; West Palm Beach, Florida, Chanute Air Force Base and the Korean 4th Fighters Squadron. Bill retired from the Air Force o Aug. 1, 1972, after 20 years of faithful service.

Before entering the Air Force Bill worked for Weiser Laundry & Dry Cleaning Company, the Umatilla Ordinance Depot in Hermiston, Oregon, and as a brakeman for the Union Pacific Rail Road. Bill also taught vocational education for the Boise School District and did business as C & C Auto Electric with George Carstensen as his partner.

During his life, Bill was a member of the Air Force Sgts. Association. The REtired Enlistees Association, Chapter No.367 Order of the Eastern Star and Paxton Lodge #416 A.F. & A.M.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Edith; a sister, Viola (William C.) Kotcher and her children, his sister-in-lawLois Elson of Weiser, Idaho and her two children; sister-in-law, Faye A Calhoun of Boise, Marlena Blain of Lebanon, Missouri, and Mary E. (Chuck) McCollum of Sun Valley, Nevada and all their children; and many more nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his four brothers, Lloyd, Alvin, Lawrence, and Robert.

Mrs. Elson is grateful for the support and help from God. Tempe ad John Smith. Gerald Elson, Sherry Arey, many friends and neighbors, and the Guardian Hospice Staff who devoted their time so unshelfishly and with much love and concern for her and her beloved Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Masonic Charitable Organizations, the Boise Rescue Mission, Clavary 1st Assembly of God in Boise, or the American Legionl Post #150, in Paxton Illinois.

From The Idaho Statesman Boise, Idaho · Thursday, December 29, 2005