Bill Depew Obituary

Bill Depew Athletic Trainer Bill Depew, 89, of Visalia passed away Saturday, October 12, 2013. Bill was born April 18, 1924 in Lindsay, CA to Clyde and Dema Depew. The second of 5 boys, Bill attended Lindsay area schools where he discovered his love for sports and participated in basketball and football. In 1942 he was drafted into the Army Tank Corp. From basic in Ft. Knox, Kentucky he went to Africa as a tank driver in the North African Campaign. After being wounded and earning his first Purple Heart he was sent to Italy to recuperate. Bill was then reassigned to the 3rd Army Infantry Division and participated in the beach landing at Anzio, Italy in January 1944. Along with the 3rd Army, Bill marched through Italy and France to the German and Belgium borders where he was wounded for the second time earning him his 2nd Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster and a trip home. After many stays in Veterans Hospitals he came back to Lindsay where he married and had his son Scoff. With a divorce, several career and location changes Bill once again settled in Lindsay where in 1960 he married Cuba Smith. In 1962 Bill was hired at C.O.S. as the pool eminence man. From custodial work he became the athletic departments Trainer in the late 60's. Being the trainer at COS was a job that Bill would love until his retirement in 1986. He spoke often of all of the exceptional people he'd met during his time at the college and always enjoyed visiting with former players and coaches reminiscing about their time at COS. After retirement Bill and Cuba enjoyed DIY projects around the house and traveling. Being a life long sports fan Bill continued to go to as many games as he could plus watching his much loved Nascar on TV. On October 5th Bill was able to attend a family reunion with all of his brothers and their wives. Plus many of his nieces, nephews and even some cousins made the trip to Visalia to visit with him. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Cuba, and his oldest brother Jack. He is survived by his daughter Dory Ann and his granddaughter Sarah PowelL Son Scott and his son Jeff. Great granddaughters Lily. Jasmine and Daisy. Brothers Doug (Joyce), Clarence(Willow), DaIe(Jo). Plus many much loved nieces and nephews. Bill's family would like to say a special thank you to all of his friends that took the time to visit with him these past few years. He enjoyed your visits more than you'll ever know. We'd also like to give a special thanks to the Nursing, office, and housekeeping staff at Westgate Gardens. They went above and beyond to make Bill's time with them the best that it could be. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013, at Lindsay District Cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to [email protected]

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Published by Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register on Oct. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Depew

13 Entries

Shirley Dunworth

October 23, 2013

Dory, I just heard about your father. I am sorry to see his passing.

Nicole Depew

October 20, 2013

Love you Grandpa. I know you weren't my "real" grandpa, but you were always good to me and my children, I will always be proud to be part of your family. You will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Rick

October 18, 2013

In November of 1990, I was in Visalia to celebrate Jerry Ballew's 90th birthday. Of course I had to stop by and see Bill and catch up with all of the stuff he had been doing through the years. He hadn't changed a bit, same old Bill. I was the "pool boy" at COS 1965 & 66 and Bill would oversee my work. He was great fun, always laid back, telling stories about COS athletes and coaches and complaining about the swimmers(!) while teaching me the ropes. He was the right guy for the job: easy to get along with the administrators, teachers, coaches and students. I wish I could have been there for the memorial services but I'll be thinking of Bill and Cuba as well.

Terry Williams

October 17, 2013

Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:00:33 -0700

Dear Dory and All of the family
I don't remember having met any of your part of the DePew family, yet we are sharing the loss of someone special.
It is a strange feeling to be sad and have happy memories at the same time. I believe a very large number of people share my sadness with his loss and have many good, smiling, happy memories. My memories of Bill brings a smile to my face.
The honesty in the way he approached people and life, set an example for all to emulate.
There will be an emptiness felt when I travel back to visit relatives in Visalia. A serendipitous meet with Bill would always be a highlight of any visit. It did not matter if days or years had past, if you were an step child or married into the family, he would make you welcome and it would seem as if no time had gone by. His smile and the way he could make you laugh with such ease, is now sadly to be no more.
He always seemed to have energy. It seemed as if all of that energy would be focused on whom ever he met. This energy also seemed to be applied to what ever it was that needed his attention.
I knew little of his past yet it came as no surprise to find out how rich and varied his life had been. No surprise that he served our country way beyond any call to duty. Receiving two purple hearts cries out volumes about the qualities of that person. I feel honored and proud to have known Bill.
Bill enriched my life.
I am one among many.
Terry Williams
Step son of Ralph DePew

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life'.

So happy to see everyone at the reunion.

Nancy Bland

October 17, 2013

Dory - As you know your father was a very special part of our family...one of "5 brothers" to my mother. I so wish Ira and I could come to the services, but we can't. Please know that are hearts are there with all of our love.

Margaret Danielson

October 16, 2013

Dory we are sorry to hear of your dads passing. Wishing you and Sara our condolences.
The Danielson Family

Bill Bettencourt

October 16, 2013

It was a great honor for me to work with Bill Depew for many years. As a football coach at COS for 6 years I have many fond memories of Bill as our trainer. He was wonderful with young men and never heard a negative comment from anyone as he treated all with respect and kind words. All long trips home after a game we would often talk but it was difficult to get him to talk about his past, he was more concerned with the present and the student athletes. My sympathy to the family and I want you to know that Bill was dearly loved and respected. It has left a mark in this world and will be missed.

Maebelle Flannery

October 16, 2013

Dory and Sara,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maebelle

Daniel Willitts

October 16, 2013

Its memory day and some are sad. I remember Bill back when I played FB at COS in 63 and 64. I worked under Bill's instruction as a student paid athlete after school. Bill was nice a man as you would ever want to meet. I never knew of his service record but had I known I would have thanked him for it. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless, Dan

Rhonda Whitlock

October 16, 2013

Dory, My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family during this difficult time. God Bless You

October 16, 2013

Dear Dory and Sarah~
I don't know how our little bunch of Terrace Street neighbors will get along without your dad to keep an eye on us. We all depended on him to keep us up to date on the latest news up and down the block. He will be missed!

Love & hugs,
Gloria

October 16, 2013

Dory I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with both you and Sara.
My Love
Denise

October 15, 2013

Dory,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Sarah during this difficult time. Your Dad was a good man and he will truly be missed.
Love you,
Laura

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