FRENCH, Wilmer Eugene

On Nov. 9, 2013, Wilmer Eugene French went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Lovingly known as Uncle Willy to many of his nieces, nephews and friends alike, he loved and lived a life of service. You could often find him with his brother Marcel and his dad Henry playing cards; or walking his dog Cujo; or socializing with the local blondes, brunettes and red heads. He worked with his dad early in life and helped support the family. Becoming a master carpenter, Willy found the love of working with wood, making beautiful homes, and furniture. Coming from a devout Catholic upbringing, he attended St Aloysius Convent Academy in Oakwood, N.D. Willy served his country honorably in the U.S. Army and was a Knights of Columbus brother for over 50 years. He has been a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills since the late 1970s. Willy took care of and made a home for his sister, Annabelle, after their parents passed away and with such a loving and giving heart, Willy made a comfortable home for his family friend, Lloyd Everson. He is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother: Doris Langowski (Stanley), Marie Blanche Snyder (Donald, deceased) Georgette Raymond (Darrell), Clarabelle Eva French, Annabelle Delphina French, and Marcel French (Winnie). He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Edward Lawrence (Larry) French, Joseph Henry French Jr., Lorraine McCoy (Joseph James McCoy, deceased), Rose Kostecki (Julian Kostecki, deceased), Marcella Holweg (LuVerne), Germaine Pokrzywinski (Amie), Helen Jane Osowski (Donald), Estelle Vanyo (Daniel) and Geraldine Dirocco (Francis). He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition he leaves behind many friends who were so special to Willy. He will be genuinely missed by all who knew him. Fountain Hills Times Nov. 14, 2013