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1915
2013
William Arthur Chown, born April 24, 1915 in Crowberg, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2013 - 5 days after celebrating his 98th birthday at his home in Redding California.
William attended Westwood California High School and was a World War II veteran for the United States Army in the 53rd Infantry Regiment, serving our country as a marksman from 1942 to 1945 in the Alleutian Islands and in the European Theater of operations 106th Infantry Division.
Between 1936 – 1940 he received a degree in Architectural Engineering and worked as a draftsman designing elevators in San Francisco, and designed the original Harvey's Wagon Wheel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. During his adult years he lived in Portland, Oregon; the Watts District in Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California. In 1990 William retired and moved to Shasta County where he spent his last 23 years of life.
"Uncle Bill" is survived by his Nieces: Linda (and Terry) Haines of Yreka, CA; Judy Ling of Toccoa, GA; and Joseph (and Ruth) Chown of Grass Valley, CA; his great-nephews: Paul Chown; Scott Chown; Jonathan Chown; and great-niece Francie Meng; and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by: his father, George Chown; his mother, Maggie Moffett Chown; his sister, Mary Louise Cowan; brothers, Joseph Chown and Haigh Chown; and nephew, Brian Murphy.
At William's request no formal services will be held. Arrangements are being handled by Lawncrest Chapel in Redding.
Our Country is in Mourning for a Soldier Died Today
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt (newspaper clipping dated 11/11/10)
He was getting old and paunchy
and his hair was falling fast,
and he sat around the Legion,
telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought
and the deeds that he had done,
in his exploits with his buddies;
they were heroes, every one.
And tho' sometimes to his neighbors
his tales became a joke,
all his Legion buddies listened
for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer
for old Bill has passed away,
and the world's a little poorer
for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many...
for he lived an ordinary and quite
uneventful life,
held a job... quietly going his way,
and the world won't note his passing,
though a soldier died today.
If we cannot do him honor
while he's here to hear the praise,
then at least let's give him homage
at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline
in a paper that would say,
Our country is in mourning,
for a soldier died today.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Bill,
I miss you already. Our trips to "the donut corner," church gatherings at Creekside, & so many conversations. You are a quiet hero the likes of men I wish our generation could get to know. I am a better man for having known you Bill. Kim and I and the boys will never forget you.
-Steve Hines
May 9, 2013
May 6,2013
Bill was my friend for years, meeting usually at the coffee shop which he had a personal seat. Bill was a icon there as he walked with his cane from his home. He had MANY friends there, and had his usual coffee and doughnut.
Bill will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
-Chuck McCartney, Redding, California
May 5, 2013
I didn't know William, but I wanted to say thank you and rest in peace to a hero. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherryl Cobb
May 4, 2013
Our heartfelt condolances to his family and friends. We are proud to be able to assist with a wonderful last ride for William.
Fred Salanti
May 3, 2013
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. We had tried to contact around Christmas. My mother is Billy's cousin (Mary Roberts Skelton) and she always told us about Billy living and working in San Francisco.
Cheryl Smith
May 3, 2013
Please accept my condolences. Our families were intertwined over the years. William's sister, Louise, was my Aunt by marriage to my Uncle Clifford Cowan. Charles Cowan
Charles Cowan
May 3, 2013
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Lawncrest Chapel & Memorial Park - Redding1522 East Cypress Ave, Redding, CA 96002
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