Bill York

SIKESTON, Mo. -- William H. "Bill" York III, 85, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

He was born Dec. 20, 1925, in Sikeston, son of William H. and Edna Porter York Jr. He and Eugenia Nell Potashnick were married in April 1948. She preceded him in death.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during World War II.

He was equipment superintendent with R.B. Potashnick Co. 45 years before retiring. While working for the company, Bill and Eugenia were sent around the United States and the world on various construction jobs.

Bill was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Sikeston Elks Lodge and Henry Meldrum American Legion. He was one of the original coordinators of the annual Pancake Day at the church. In his spare time, he built wooden toys for the church to give to children at Christmas.

Survivors include a son, William H. "Bill" York IV of Sikeston; four grandchildren, Miko McRoy of Seymour, Ind., Angie (Lee) Dickson of Los Gatos, Calif., William H. "Bill" York V and Christopher Edward York of St. Louis; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Mikalyn McRoy, and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Pollyanna McRoy and Eugenia Nelle York; and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Geoff Posegate, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be held until 6 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to Wesley United Methodist Church, 600 Pine Street, Sikeston, Mo., 63801.

Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.