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William "Bill" McElhone
William "Bill" McElhone
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William McElhone Obituary
Inurnment in Green Mound Cemetery with military rites by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post 24 at Leola on April 4, 2011.
Bill died Dec. 29, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
William Howard McElhone, son of Elmer and Katherine (Blondo) McElhone, was born April 4, 1941, in Aberdeen. This is where he grew up, attending school at St. Mary's Parochial School and Central High School. The day after his 17th birthday, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the U.S.S. Monrovia as a boiler technician 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged Jan. 12, 1962, and returned to Aberdeen. On June 15, 1962, he was employed with the Aberdeen Fire Department, later being promoted to engineer on Jan. 1, 1973. He retired as a lieutenant on Sept. 16, 1995. He then worked at SoDak Sport and Bait part-time.
Bill's retirement was filled with trapping and hunting - his true joys in life since his youth. He did all of his own reloading and was an avid handgun collector and an accomplished Gunsmith. His neighbors called him “Uncle Bill,” and his fellow fireman knew him as the Aberdeen Fire “Door” Opener.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association, National Trappers Association, American Shooters Club and American Legion Sidney L. Smith Post 24.
Survivors include three sons, Steven (Julie) McElhone of Clark, John (Irene Luft)
McElhone of Aberdeen and Dale McElhone of Queen Creek, Ariz; two daughters, Margie (Alex) Gutierrez of Aberdeen and Sarah (Jeff) Aman of Hosmer; two sisters, Johanna Gainey and Judy (Ronnie) Sullivan, both of McBee, S.C.; a brother, James McElhone of Tucson, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
His parents and one infant brother, Albert, preceded him in death.
Honorary casketbearers will be the Aberdeen Fire Department and retired fireman.
Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen have been entrusted with arrangements.
www.carlsenfh.com
This obituary was originally published in the Aberdeen American News.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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January 7, 2011
bill you were the best firefighter ever learned alot from you and chief enze. ill remember your stories and would follow you anywhere. ill miss you mike neiger
millard deline
January 6, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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1708 8th Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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