Bill & Alice Walsh

WILLIAM JOHN WALSH (retired U.S.A.F.), a resident of Austin, TX, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Bill was born August 9, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA. He had an interest in aviation at an early age, influenced by the transatlantic flight of Charles Lindberg. This led to a life-long career as a pilot. In World War II, Bill was a B-17 Bomber Pilot in the 8th and 15th Air Force and credited with fifty-three combat missions. His many decorations included the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a presidential Unit Citation. Bill pursued his career after the war as a pilot with TWA where he met Alice Fitzmorris, his beloved wife of 62 years. Bill then re-entered the Air Force, with tours of duty domestically and abroad. He retired from active duty in 1973 after a 30 year career from Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. He was not only exceptional in his duty to God and country, he was a wonderful Dad to his three children, Bill (daughter-in-law Nora Junod), Diane (son-in-law Alvin Taylor), and Kathleen (son-in-law Bill McClure). Bill loved being "Pop-Pop" to his three grandchildren, Casey, Taylor, and Kelly. He loved them beyond measure. His family is so grateful for the loving, devoted care of his Angels on Earth, Peggy Thompson and Nettie Curry, whom he loved very much. We are also so thankful to Dad and Mom"s neighbors, David and Connie Devine for their kindness and friendship throughout the years. We will miss this wonderful gentleman. His dancing, singing, and love filled our hearts, and we were so proud he was our Dad. We are comforted knowing he is once again united with his sweet Alice in God"s loving embrace. ALICE FAYE (FITZMORRIS) WALSH, a resident of Austin, TX, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, November 22, 2009 with her family near her. Alice was born December 2, 1921 in Fredonia, KS. She attended Tenpenny School, a one-room school house, through the eighth grade. She graduated from Fredonia High School, then business prep school in Wichita. Later she was employed as a TWA Hostess where she met her pilot husband, William J. Walsh. They were married April 19, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia. During her marriage, she gave birth to three beautiful children, Bill (daughter-in-law Nora Junod), Diane (son-in-law Alvin Taylor), and Kathleen (son-in-law Bill McClure). She was the grandmother, affectionately known as Mimi, of three wonderful grandchildren, Casey, Taylor, and Kelly. During the progressive years in the military, she and her family were based around the world, including Paris, Athens, the Philippines, Bangkok, and many bases in the United States. Alice was a devoted member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin for 36 years. Her family"s heartfelt thanks go to her wonderful caregivers, Peggy Thompson and Jennifer Carson, who were so kind and dear to her. Every friend and acquaintance remarked on her sweet ways and beautiful smile. Alice was a wonderful wife and a remarkable, caring mother who gave her all to her family. They will love and cherish her always. Cremation has taken place, and a joint memorial graveside service for Bill and Alice will be held at 11:00 A.M. in the Sacred Heart Cemetery with Father Stephen Thapwa of the Sacred Heart Church officiating. Words of condolence for the family may sent through this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.