"My Ford!  I don't get in, I just put it on"

 (Information taken from 50th Alumni Booklet May 1998.  Please send an e-mail to update information at any time.)

Deceased July 25, 1975

Spouse:  Melva

Children:  Julie, Steve and Jimmy

     Funeral Services were held Monday, July 28, 1975, at United Methodist Church in Decatur for Bill Phelps, 44.  He died suddenly at his home near Decatur on Friday, July 25, 1975.  Rev. Clarence Campbell officiated at the afternoon rite.  Pallbearers were Forrest Penny, Lyle Larsen, James Eagleton, Elwin Penny, Lyle Redding and William Marr.  Serving as honorary pallbearers were Mr. and Mrs. Bob Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Way, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hennig. 

     William T. Phelps, son of W. C. and Grace Phelps was born May 17, 1931 at Rosalie, NE.

     As a small child he moved with his parents to a farm in the Quinnebaugh Community.  He attended Fairview School through the eighth grade and graduated from Decatur High School in 1948.  He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1952 until 1954.   He was a member of Rogers-Crom American Legion Post No. 215 and Gleason-Rogers VFW Post No. 6926. 

      On March 13, 1955, he was married to Melva Hankins.  They were the parents of three children.  Bill farmed in the Quinnebaugh area for a number of years.  He is survived by his wife, Melva; a daughter, Julie; two sons, Steve and Jimmy, one brother, Paul, and two sisters, Mrs. Helen Newton and Mrs. Jim Smith, all of Decatur.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one brother, Doyle.  Military graveside rites were held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Decatur

Updated: 4/7/09