William Thurm "WT" Firesheets

1922 - 2017

William Thurm (WT) Firesheets, 94, departed this life and went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1, 2017. WT was born on May 26, 1922, at noon, "almost as the mill whistle blew, came hungry, remained hungry", in the sawmill Town of Fisher, Louisiana. He graduated as salutatorian from Fisher High School in 1940. WT served in World War II as part of the 7th Army during Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France. He was severely wounded in combat in Neufmaison, France, in November 1944, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Victory Medal and the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in combat. After returning to the U.S. and finishing his service at Ft Bliss, Texas, he was honorably discharged in 1946. He met his future wife, Ruth, upon his brief return to his hometown of Fisher. WT left home to attend LSU, graduating in 1950 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He remained in Baton Rouge and practiced as a consulting engineer for over fifty years. WT was a beloved husband, father and grandfather known for his enduring faith, his gentle nature, loving kindness and endless optimism. He always spoke kind words of encouragement to whomever he met. WT was an active member of University Baptist Church and served as a deacon for over 40 years. He loved fishing, watching LSU baseball at The Box, carving wooden Santas to give as gifts, and traveling the world, often on mission trips with his church. WT is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Ruth Lela Patton, of Many Louisiana; his children: Lela Elizabeth (Beth) Strange, William Thurm (Bill) Firesheets, II and wife Rene', Karl David Firesheets and wife Debbie, and Melissa Ann Firesheets; his brother, William Robert (Bob) Firesheets; his sister, LyNell Doane; eight grandchildren, Kristen Wilson, Kelly Firesheets, Samantha Fisicaro, Elizabeth Firesheets, Jacqueline Pierce, Colin Pierce, and Austin Firesheets; and five great-grandchildren, Will Fisicaro, Daniel Fisicaro, Joey Fisicaro, Carly Hoy and Andrew Hoy. He is preceded in death by his father, William Wallace Firesheets; his mother, Mamie Elizabeth Teasley Firesheets; and his brothers, Glen Firesheets, Jim Firesheets, and Ben Firesheets. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until religious services at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or Samaritan's Purse. Pallbearers will be, Bill Firesheets, Karl David Firesheets, Austin Firesheets, Colin Firesheets, Brian Fisicaro and Bob Firesheets. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatorouge.com.