|
Billy D. Templeton
Billy D. Templeton
Billy D. Templeton, age 87, of Lee's Summit, passed away on December 22, 2009, at the Kansas City V.A. Hospital. Billy was born on February 26, 1922, in Clemons, Iowa.
He joined the service prior to WW II. As a combat radio operator on a B17, he participated in the first mass flight over the Pacific to Clark Field in the Philippines. Billy served in the Philippines until his capture by the Japanese, survived the Bataan Death March, was transported on a "Hell Ship," and he was a slave laborer in China until his liberation at the end of the war. He recently published a book about his war experiences, and has as his health would permit, spoken to schools, citizen groups, and military organizations about his wartime experiences. Following his military service, he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 31 years. While working for the FAA, he was instrumental in founding the Cameron University Perpetual Scholarship Fund in Lawton, Okla. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, the DAV, and the Heart of America Chapter Ex- POWs.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Louanah. He has five surviving children, Bill Templeton of Chocowinity, N.C., Mary Templeton of Socorro, N.M., Tom Hemingway of Morro, Ill., Kimberly Franke of Basehor, Kan., and Lisa Gibbons of Lee's Summit. He has 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son, Robert Templeton. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 29, at 2 p.m., at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Entombment will follow with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or to a favorite charity. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KC, MO 64133, at 816-353-1218.)
| |
