William F. "Bill" Bouwens

1932 - 2024

HONEOYE/PHELPS– William (Bill) F. Bouwens received his promotion May 19, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital. Born July 24, 1932, in Newark, New York. He passed with loving family members around him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Luella Bouwens; wife, Nancy Wallace Bouwens; sister Maude (Frank) Finch; two brothers, Jacob Bouwens & Robert Bouwens and wife Dee; and grandson, Brian Bouwens.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years Joline (DeCook) Bouwens; four sons, Randy (Judy), David (Julie), Mark (Kyle), and James (Christina); seven grandchildren; sister-in-law Sue Bouwens; brother-in-law Donald Wallace; sister-in-law Karen Wallace; stepson George (Mary) DeCook; stepdaughter Susan Tandle; and sister-in-law, Nancy (James) DiMatteo; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Bill graduated from Newark High School in Newark, New York. He served in the U.S. Army and became a member of the American Legion.

He attended business school and worked for C.H. Stuart Corporation in Newark. In 1958 he married Nancy Wallace Bouwens and raised four sons in Phelps, New York. He moved his family to Lauderhill, Florida in 1971 where he was promoted to Executive Vice President for Aquasport boats. In 1980, he moved to Orange City, Florida where he owned a Western Auto Hardware store. In the mid-1980's, he owned and operated a transportation company until retirement.

Bill had a deep and abiding faith in God which sustained him and blessed his family and friends. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Plantation United Methodist Church, Florida; DeBary Methodist Church, Florida; and the Methodist Church in Canadice, New York. During his tenure with the church, he regularly served on leadership committees and sang in the choir.

He actively supported his sons' high school years by participating in the leadership of the Piper High School Band Parents Association in Sunrise, Florida.

In 2003, he married Joline DeCook. They lived peacefully together in the Finger Lakes area.

He loved playing Pinochle, which is what he was doing at the time of his passing and enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, fishing, fast cars, watching his sons perform music together, a good drink with loved ones and friends, and listening to and telling humorous stories. He was also commonly quick with a joke. Our family thanks the 1st responders' heroic efforts to save him.

He was beloved and will be missed by everyone.

Bill's funeral service will be held at the Canadice United Methodist Church 5945 Canadice Hill Rd., Springwater, N.Y. at 2 p.m. Saturday, (June 1), Military Honors will be held after the service. A reception for all who wish to attend and pay their respects, and share stories with family and friends of a life well lived at the conclusion of honors. An internment service at the DeBary Methodist Church, Florida will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Canadice United Methodist Church, Canadice Corners, 5945 Canadice Hill Road, Springwater, N.Y. 14560, or a charity of choice.