WILLIAMSBURG - Merle Eugene Bounds, 87, a long-time resident of Williamsburg, died peacefully on November 2, 2013 after a long struggle with dementia. Mr. Bounds' life was the story of the 20th century. Born in the Roaring Twenties, he spent his early childhood on a farm in dust bowl Oklahoma. As a young teenager, he left home to work in the oil fields and then in the shipyards of Long Beach, CA. At 16, he enlisted in the United States Marines and fought in the Pacific in World War II. After the war, he attended Oklahoma State University on the G.I. Bill, then was commissioned into the United States Army as a reserve officer. He fell in love with and married a Virginia school teacher, Nancy Heffernan, in 1951. He flew fixed wing aircraft and early helicopters in the Korean War, served in Cold War Europe, flew helicopters during two tours of Vietnam and retired from the Army in the early 70's with numerous commendations including two Bronze Stars and three individual Air Medals. In 1965, he built a home in Williamsburg, VA. After retiring from the Army, he worked for the predecessor to Sun Trust Bank in Williamsburg, retiring as a Vice President after a full second career. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Bede Catholic Church and a member of the Kiwanis Club. After retirement, he traveled widely with his wife and enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren. After his wife's death in 2008, Mr. Bounds lived in Windsor Meade of Williamsburg until moving to assisted living in Northern Virginia to be near a daughter in 2012. Mr. Bounds is survived by his children, Kevin B. Bounds of Virginia Beach, Ann Bounds Newell of McLean, and Jane Dannehl Strautz of Onley, six grandchildren, his oldest sister, Gladys Presnell and his youngest brother, Gary L. Bounds. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA at 11:00 on Saturday, November 16th.
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Kevin and Ann - haven't spoken with either one of you for over 45 years. My dad still lives on Kingswood Dr. Last time I was with your dad was to try to get his flight simulator program working on his computer - about five years ago - your mom was still alive. Just a note to express my condolences; you had great and wonderful parents!
Brian McGann
November 18, 2013
I so enjoyed knowing Mr. Bounds. He was such a kind man and had some interesting war stories and talked about his travels around the world. He was blessed to have such a fulfilling life and a family that loved him so much. He will be missed.
Gloria From
November 17, 2013
You were my guiding role model. We will miss you more than words can express. I know your spirit is already with God. We love you, you will always be my BIG brother.
Gary Bounds
November 16, 2013
My buddy from Comfort Keepers: What a life you had! You were indeed a war hero
and a gentleman. Peace be with you,
Carol Zoldan
November 14, 2013
We enjoyed your Dad while he was in WindsorMeade.
Our condolences on your loss.
Our prayers are with you all.
Hazel and Ray Whitney
November 14, 2013
I enjoyed getting to know Merle, I enjoyed his stories and his sense of humor. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie Peay
November 13, 2013
he wa so quiet and soft spoken and gentlemanly you'd never think he flew in a war.all his waitresses and servers enjoyed his gentle hello's.he deserves his rest.to the family we pray for and with you.
quovadis wright
November 12, 2013
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