Psychos

William "Bill" Psychos, of Newcastle, Wyo., died on March 29, 2012, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center, Sturgis, S.D., surrounded by his family.
Bill grew up in Coudersport, the third of six children born to Greek immigrants. His first job was in his father's candy and soda shop, the Olympic Confectionary. Making candy and hauling ice gave Bill the work ethic which guided him throughout his life. His father, Gust, and he enjoyed hunting together. The love of hunting prompted his move to South Dakota in hopes that his father would join him on pheasant hunts. After graduation from business school, he got a job as assistant to the president of Wilson Truck System. His fiancée, Doris Ives, moved from Coudersport to Sioux Falls. On the day of her arrival they traveled to Luverne, Minn. and were married. To this union, two daughters were born, Cassandra and Cynthia.
In the next few years, Bill worked at Stewart School of Hairstyling before opening his own beauty school and shop, the South Dakota Hairstyling Academy and Westgate Beauty Salon.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge AF & AM Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Shriners' International, Eastern Star and Lion's Club, along with other sportsman and hunting organizations.
In the mid-1970s, he moved to the Black Hills of Wyoming where his love of hunting also evolved into guiding hunts for elk, deer, and antelope. Transforming a rustic cabin into a comfortable home became his passion, and he was very proud of all his carpentry accomplishments.
His siblings, daughters, grandsons and their friends were always welcome to stay for visits, especially if they brought or prepared some of his favorite Greek dishes or helped out with various projects.
Bill served two tours of duty in the Marine Corps and dealt with his service connected Korean War wounds throughout the remainder of his life. Bill was a Purple Heart recipient. Until his recent decline in health, he lived as independently as possible.
He is survived by his sisters, Constance Psychos and Helen Snowman both of Coudersport, Chrysanthia Kepler of Lindale, Texas; a brother, Charles, Arlington, Va.; daughters, Cassie Soeffing (Bill) and Cindi; two grandsons, Charles and Wilson Soeffing; special friend of the family, Mary Eagleson; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gust and Bessie; an infant sister, Beatrice; and two brothers-in-law, Galen Snowman and Dr. Ken Kepler.
A memorial has been established to benefit the veterans of G Ward.
The family wishes to thank the Home Health Care Staff of Newcastle, Wyo., and the staff of G-Ward at Fort Meade for their care and compassion with our father.
Committal services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the National Cemetery with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends may gather at the funeral chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.