William Meade "Bill" Kincaid

1931 - 2017

WILLIAM (BILL) MEADE KINCAID
October 27, 1931 - December 4, 2017

William (Bill) Meade Kincaid, of Bakersfield, died peacefully on December 4, 2017, surrounded by family. He was 86 years old.

He is survived by his five children, Cathy Kincaid of Los Osos, California, Jennifer (Stan) Roe of Clayton, California, Gerrie (Clarence) Hosey of Bakersfield, Vicky (Bill) Dykes of Spring, Texas, and Susan Kincaid, of Bakersfield, California; his 13 grandchildren; his 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was born on October 27, 1931 in Bakersfield, California to Almerion and Hazel Kincaid. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1949. In 1950, he joined the Navy Reserve and soon thereafter was called into active duty and served the next two years in the Philippines during the Korean War. Upon his return home, Bill joined his father in the family insurance business, and in1955 he married the love of his life, Sharon June Branson, who shared the next 60 years with him.

Bill made a career change from insurance to education after his wife started her classroom career. According to Bill, Sharon was having "too much fun" teaching for him not to do the same. He earned his credential in 1971 at Cal State Bakersfield and taught for many years in the Bakersfield City School District.

Bill's enthusiasm for life is his heart-filled legacy. He had a mischievous sense of humor, which he shared freely with friends and family. His grandchildren can especially attest to their Grandpa's jokes and "tricks" - all in good fun. Bill led an active life. He jogged before it was fashionable; he hiked, bicycled, kayaked, camped, and was always planning the next adventure. Of course, most of this was shared with his wife, Sharon, and extended family was always welcome to join in whenever their busy schedules allowed. After he and Sharon retired, they pursued recreation and travel, quickly checking-off many national and international destinations from their bucket list. Yellowstone Park was a favorite place; they worked seasonal jobs there for a number of years in community with others who became new friends. Bill and Sharon filled their home with books, art, and mementos that reflected love of family and a mutual interest in nature and native cultures. Bill took special care tending their large garden, making it a place filled with seasonal blooms, birds, and many happy memories - in particular of epic family Easter egg hunts when Dad (later "Grandpa") would hide eggs in the most absurd spots.

In April 2016, Bill took his final travel adventure to Washington, D.C. joining other local Veterans on Kern County Honor Flight Number 21.

The family wants to extend special thanks to Rosie from Agape Care and the team from Hoffman Hospice who provided such loving care to Bill and his family.

A service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9th, at Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Mortuary at 1100 Truxtun Avenue. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kern County Honor Flight.

Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors