William R. Himrod, age 95, lifelong resident of Waterford, died Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Born in Waterford on January 17, 1918, Mr. Himrod was a son of the late Louis and Jessie Hull Himrod.

Himrod, William R.William was a veteran of World War II, serving in the European Campaign as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, and after being honorably discharged from active duty, he returned to Waterford and was married to Mary Jane Walden on May 9, 1945. He was employed for 35 years at the former Kondu Corporation in Erie.

William was a hard worker, often working two jobs to provide for his family, and he operated his family’s farm for many years. He was proud of the home he built for his family– especially the stonework which makes the house unique. He also was an experienced outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, trapping, and fishing. After his retirement, William pursued his skill of woodworking and became known for the handcrafted items he made including holiday ornaments and windmills.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Mary Jane Walden Himrod who died April 30, 2004; an infant daughter, Elizabeth Jane Himrod; and his brother, Kenneth Himrod.

Family members that survive include four children: Bonnie Himrod of Waterford, William Himrod and wife Cindy of Waterford, Sandra Graham and husband Mark of Waterford, and Bryon Himrod of Erie. William also has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Ron Kennedy of Draketown Christian Church. Burial with U.S. Army Military Honors assisted by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail will be in Waterford Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 275, Waterford, or Waterford Cemetery, PO Box 951 , Waterford, PA 16441.