Prior to World War II, William was in the United States Navy William S. Chennault, 94 years, passed away on Feb. 26, 2009 in his home.
Bill was born Jan. 2, 1915 in New Orleans, La., to Claire Lee Chennault and Anna Mae (Griffin) Chennault.
William was employed as an Engineer and worked for most of his career in Houston, Texas. William also worked in many mid-western states. During his work in the Midwest, he fell in love with the Missouri Ozarks. Prior to World War II, William was in the United States Navy and a plank-owner of the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco.
Bill and Ernestine Gilbert were united in marriage in Houston, Texas. Bill was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #450. Bill was involved in the construction of the United States Air Force Academy, NORAD, still secret installations in New Mexico, and NASA in Houston. He enjoyed living in the Ozarks and was happy to return 30 years ago. Bill loved being with his family and especially his grandchildren. Additionally, retiring to his beloved Ozark Mountains was his dream come true. He was both an expert pistol shot and fly fisherman.
William was preceded by his parents; his wife, Ernestine; his wife Marie; his wife, Lucille; and his first wife, Christine; and a daughter, Julia (Chennault) Erikson.
William is survived by his children, (William) Bill C. (Barbara) Chennault, Kansas City, Kan., Margaret (Kin) Norwood, Houston, Texas, Donald (Jonnie Mae) Whitley, Ava, Mo., Robert Chennault, Gladstone, Mo., and Jacquline (James) Litwin, Evergreen, Colo.; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome. com.
