William Deems

William M. Deems, 81, of Limestone, N.Y., passed away Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2025) at Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.
He was born July 6, 1943, in Kane, the son of the late Francis and Verna "Susie" Agens Deems.
He was a 1963 graduate of Kane Area High School.
On May 14, 1994, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., he married Beverly A. Pearce, who survives.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served stateside during the Vietnam War from June 1964 until his honorable discharge in June 1968.
He was employed by Dresser Manufacturing Co. Inc. for 10 years, retiring in 2007.
Bill enjoyed gardening and going for walks; he was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan. He was a dedicated family man who especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Beverly Deems of Limestone, he is also survived by eight children, Michael (Julie) Deems of Essexville, Mich., Shelly (Patrick) Keane of Limestone, Mark (Jana) Hatch of New Bethlehem, Joseph (Mary Jane Pingie) Hatch of Limestone, Deborah (George Osborne) Ickes of Limestone, Robin (Jason Abrams) Hewitt of Limestone, Danielle Dixon of Bradford and Jennifer (Kevin) Brink of Allegany, N.Y.; two sisters, Carol (Dan) Walters of Vowinckel and Jeanne (Guy) Anderson of Kane; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Clifford "Skip" Hatch Jr.; and two grandsons.
Visitation will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday (Jan. 13, 2025) at Mascho Funeral Home Inc., where a funeral service will immediately follow with the Rev. Ricky Price, pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating.
Military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Post 1560 and the U.S. Navy.
Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Limestone.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the American Legion Post 1560, 941 N. Main St., Limestone, NY 14753.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Mascho Funeral Home Inc.
Online condolences can be expressed at maschofuneral.com.