WILLIAM E. BELSHE

William E. "Bill" Belshe, age 74, of Fontana, died January 31, 2007, at Golden Living Center in Spring Hill.

Bill was born September 7, 1932, in Kansas City. He was the only child of Gordon Elbert and Maudie Belle Moor Beishe. He attended Argentine High School in Kansas City.

He was married to Charlene Wedderstrand on October 27, 1956, in Kansas City.

They made their home in Kansas City and moved to Fontana in 1967. They became parents of four children and one adopted daughter.

He served his country with the United States Army during the Korean conflict. His stint with the Army began January 5, 1953, and he was discharged on October 14, 1954. Upon his discharge he entered the reserves for a period of eight years,

Bill worked as a switchman for Santa Fe Railroad. He retired after 43 years.

He had several hobbies including wood carving, crafts, fishing, and camping. He was a big fan of baseball and softball, which he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in. Another favorite pastime he particularly enjoyed was teasing people.

He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 156 in Paola and the Mid America CB Club. His CB name was "Fontana Fats." Many people still called him "Fontana."

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Charlene; his son and daughter-in-law William E. "Bill" Jr. and Elaine Belshe of Fort Scott; four daughters Pamela A. Belshe of Spring Hill, Deborah M. Medeiros of Gardner and her husband Barry, Patricia L. Comer of Spring Hill and her husband Carson, and Dawn Lloyd of Spring Hill; several grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Paola with military honors. Visitation will follow until 8 p.m. Memorials are to the William E. Belshe, Sr. Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, Box 430, Osawatomie, KS, 66064.