The last time I saw Bill was nearly three years ago at my father's funeral. There we shared stories of his association with Plano Molding Company and Dad. “Uncle Bill,” as I called him while growing up, was a frequently mentioned name in our home. He and Dad had a close working relationship in the fishing industry and were dear friends as well. Although they did not know each other during the war, both served in the Army Air Corps in England. Bill, as you know, had been a distinguished pilot of a P-51 “Mustang” during World War II. My Dad, Glenn Simms, was a ball turret gunner on a B-17. Bill's "Mustang" escorted many of the B-17 bombers into enemy territory while fighting off the German aircraft protecting the US bombers.
When Dad died in 2010 at the age of 90. Bill came to pay his respects. It was there he asked if he could have the honor of escorting Dad one last time. And so, in his Ford Mustang, adorned with the markings of his own P-51, Bill led Dad's funeral procession from the church to the cemetery. …This story will always be for me a precious reminder of an amazing man. It still brings tears to my eyes!
When the Lord called this wonderfully generous man Home, Dad was no doubt waiting at the Pearly Gates to greet him! What a glorious reunion they must be having!
My husband, Lance, and I are presently living in England. On several occasions we have been to Steeple Morden in Cambridgeshire and looked across the very field from which Bill flew. It was an honor and privilege to remember him there!
We regret we are unable to personally attend the services and extend our condolences to the Cullerton Family. Sending love and heartfelt sympathy from Nancy Simms, the Simms Family, Lance and me.
Sincerely,
Lowrie Simms Kuhn (Glenn and Nancy Simms's daughter)