McDermott, William Francis

MCDERMOTT, RYNER, MCCONNELL

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer poster (email)
Date: 5/14/2008 at 13:24:31

McDermott, William Francis View/Sign Guest Book

WEST DES MOINES — William Francis McDermott, 90, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Arbor Springs.Celebration of Life Memorial Visitation was held on Thursday, April 24, at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd, Clive, IA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, West Des Moines, Iowa. Bill was born on January 16, 1918 in Clinton, Iowa to Patrick and Mabel (Ryner) McDermott. He attended Marquette University and later married his childhood sweetheart, Gwen McConnell. They were happily married for 48 years until her death.He was a WWII Army veteran and served in both the European and Pacific Theatres. He worked as a salesman in the lumber and millwork business for 23 years. Following that he worked 15 years as a District Sales Manager for Wix/Dana Corporation retiring in 1980.Bill was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, West Des Moines American Legion Post 620, serving as Commander for several years, The Ancient Order of Hiberians, a fraternal Irish-Catholic organization, and a volunteer for AARP for more than 10 years. Bill was long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Survivors include his three children, Larry (Jean) McDermott of Thousand Oaks, CA, Dan McDermott of Newbury Park, CA, and Barb McDermott of West Des Moines, IA; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother Don (Bernadine) McDermott of Clinton, IA; several nieces and nephews and numerous friends. With his generous smile, twinkling eye and quick Irish wit, Bill will be missed by all.Preceding in death are his parents, one brother and five sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, St. Vincent de Paul, American Legion Boys State Scholarship Fund, Hospice of Central Iowa or his church.Graveside services will be Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton, IA.Death date: April 23, 2008
Published in the Clinton Herald from 4/25/2008 - 4/27/2008.