Lones, William R. "Bill" 1925-2012

LONES, HIATT, HARKEN, HASSTEDT

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/18/2014 at 19:48:11

William R. Lones
Des Moines

William (Bill) Richard Lones passed away in Denver, Colorado on July 9, 2012 at the age of 87.

He was born June 1, 1925 in Perry, Iowa, the oldest child of Lee and Melba Lones. He graduated from Perry High School in 1943. He attended summer engineering classes at Iowa State University before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps where he served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He obtained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and served until his honorable discharge in 1946.

Exploring a passion for navigation, aeronautics and mathematics, Bill obtained an Actuarial Sciences degree from Drake University in 1949. In a career that spanned 40 years, he worked for several insurance companies across the nation, finally returning to Des Moines in 1964 where he worked for the Equitable of Iowa insurance company for the next 25 years until his retirement.

Bill was a devoted family man and loved to stay active coaching little league, hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, downhill skiing, disc golfing, enjoying the arts, and most of all being the handyman for home projects. We will always cherish the wonderful memories, knowledge and wisdom he gave us.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Carol, as well as his parents.

He is survived by his sister Patricia Hiatt; sons Mark, Greg and wife, Rebecca, Brad and wife, Andrea, David, and daughter Lori Harken and husband, Michael; grandsons Luke, Alec, Zachary, Calvin and Steffan; step-grandchildren Nathan, Nicole and Josh Hasstedt; and second wife Jean and her extended family.

Interment was at McLaren's Resthaven.

Memorials may be made to Drake University or the Des Moines Playhouse.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?pid=160394218#sthash.HxapsdyM.dpuf ~ The Des Moines Register Legacy, Des Moines, Iowa 14 Oct 2012