BOGAN, Willard (Bill) Lloyd

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, June 13, 2011 Willard (Bill) Lloyd Bogan (1948 -2011), 63, of Spring Valley, Ariz., went to heaven on June 6, 2011, due to complications of cancer after a long and valiant battle. Bill was born in Fresno, Calif., on Feb. 24, 1948, to Edward and Edith Bogan. He was happily married to his self-described "sweetheart of his universe" Geneva Bogan for nearly 43 years. Bill was widely known and loved nationwide both as a bluegrass musician and promoter. His band, "Bill Bogan and Trusting Heart," played at festivals all over the country over the past decade. He also promoted festivals both in the Northwest and the Southwest. Bill Bogan will always be known for his ability to paint a picture with the words of his songwriting. Bill served in the nuclear industry as a journeyman electrician and in supervisory positions for the majority of his working life. Bill's God-given talents gave him the ability to speak to people's hearts through song or one-on-one conversations. He never met a stranger. Bill was a deeply faithful man, especially with his family, always with the covenants at heart influencing by example and unwavering courage. Bill lived his life respectful but fearless of men but respectful and loving of God, thereby giving him the strength in character, which defined his persona. Bill was known as SUPERMAN to all those who knew and loved him. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Spring Valley, Ariz., ward. His focus on survival lead him to practice his love of hunting and fishing. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He always said he had a responsibility to provide and to serve others. This simply was Bill Bogan's nature. Bill Bogan is survived by his wife Geneva; daughter Cori; bulldog Belle; brother Otis; sisters, Nancy, Doris, Darlene and Shirley; and lifelong friends, Jerry Van Laningham and Art Leavitt. He was preceded in death by his son Bret; his mother Edith; his father Edward; and mother-in-law Elizabeth. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spring Valley, Ariz., 17330 East Mule Deer Drive, at 2 p.m. with a viewing at 12:30 p.m. Additional services will be at Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, Calif. on Friday, June 17, 2011, at 10 a.m. At the families request, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.