William Wolford

William E. WolfordWilliam Eugene Wolford, 81, Tipton, died at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2006 at his residence after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born February 1, 1925, in Kempton to Orel & Margaret (Stroup) Wolford.  After the death of his father he was raised by his mother and aunt and uncle, Frank & Zona Rayl.  Later his mother married Earl Boring.After graduating from Kempton High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served as a radioman and a turret gunner in a PBY 4 in the South Pacific.  He was honorably discharged after receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945.He married Ann Hopkins on May 22, 1948, in Tipton.  He was engaged in farming, employed at Haynes-Stellite for 15 years, and then worked as a radio/television technician until he retired in 1980.  He was an avid amateur radio operator, enjoyed building his own radio equipment and held an Extra Class Radio Operators License (AA9LT).  He held a Private Pilot Certificate, built and flew his own airplane.  He also enjoyed fishing and gardening.He is survived by his wife, Anna; sons Michael (Diana) Wolford and Louis (Colleen) Wolford, both of Tipton, Lee (Brenda) Wolford, Milltown; one daughter, Lynn (Keith) Johnson, Frankfort;  grandchildren, Alan (Karla) Wolford, Rose Hutchens, Travis (Heather) Wolford, Todd Wolford, Dustin Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Elizabeth Park and Jennifer McCormmick; one great-granddaughter, Crystal Hutchens.It was his wish not to have a viewing or services.  The family chose to honor his wishes. He will be cremated and his cremains will be held until a later date.Memorial contributions may be made to Howard Regional Home Care and Hospice Services, 2800 South Reed Road, Kokomo, Indiana, 46902, or the charity of the donor's choice.  Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.