Billy DuBois Hudson Guiles

1931 - 2014

Billy DuBois Hudson Guiles, 83, of Pittsburg slipped from his earthly bonds on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, at his home.

Mr. Guiles was born on October 30, 1931, in Pittsburg to Elsie and George Guiles and was raised in Arma by Hap Hudson. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and married Dorothy (Dottie) Sipes. In their 63 years of marriage they had two sons: Billy Guiles Jr. and Jeff Guiles of Pittsburg.

While in the U.S. Air Force he was an instructor on jet fighters. With an honorable discharge he started working for several aircraft businesses: Boeing of Wichita, Lockheed, and Rohr in California in the research department.

Bill received many achievement awards during his 15 years of service. He was responsible for administration of miscellaneous contracts, commercial and military, with ample exposure to price negotiation and consumer relationship.

He supervised operations of the Manufacturing Research Development Shop, worked as a research technician in the High Temperature Braze Area with Manufacturing Research, worked as a research technician with Manufacturing Research in developing the technique and tooling for high energy forming and supervised as a leadman in the fabrication and development of tooling for numerous aerospace programs.

He was a journeyman tool and die maker with Continental Can Company in Coffeyville and a Class "A" machine operator with the Lockheed Company.

He was an instructor, A&E Mechanic School, jet fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, worked in the Tool Fabrication Department at Boeing in Wichita and was Crew Chief in charge of maintenance and repair of jet fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.

He then moved back to Pittsburg and started his own business of making molds for antique dolls for 45 years. He and Dottie traveled all over the U.S. with their company.

He belonged to the Blue Lodge and Elks for a time and was a member of the Baptist Church. His passion was family, fishing and making knives. In his earlier days, he enjoyed motorcycle riding, ocean fishing and building boats.

Bill and Dottie took a cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They also took a cruise to Mexico and several trips to Catalina Island in California. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Branson, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife, Dottie, of the home; two sons (Jeff and wife Diana Guiles, who helped care for him, and Billy Guiles and Katherine Wilkins), three grandchildren (Keith Guiles and wife Carlita, Dustin Guiles and Jessica Guiles), three great grandchildren (Alex Guiles, Peyton Guiles and Anastasia Guiles), a brother (Dan Hudson of Clever, Missouri), two sisters (Shirley Wilson of Washburn, Missouri and Dixie Karn of Temple, Texas) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers (Bud, Jacque and Milton Guiles). He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Mr. Guiles will be cremated according to his wishes. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma with the Rev. George Powers officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Whiteman Air Force Burial Detail will conduct graveside flag folding services.

The family suggests memorials to Angels Among Us. Donations may be sent or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.