William (Bill) Isaiah Rabe Jr., 90, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015, in Ennis, Texas.
Bill was born in Boyce, Texas, on Oct. 23, 1924, to William I. Rabe Sr. and Ollie Mae Newberry. He lived in Peeltown, Texas, from birth to age nine. At the age of nine he moved to Ennis where he attended the Ennis Public Schools. On Aug. 23, 1943, he married Martha Lurline Merritt and they made their home in Ennis.
Bill was a U.S. Army sergeant during World War II, where he served as a Truck Driver Heavy 931. After serving in the U.S. Army he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Rabe Construction Company. He retired from Flintkote (Genstar) after 30 years.
Bill was a member of numerous civic and church related organizations. Bill was a charter member of Baylor Baptist Church, 32nd degree Mason, VFW, American Legion, Jaycees, and the Ennis Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Lurline Rabe of Ennis; one daughter, Jan Ellen Wilkinson and husband Robert D. Wilkinson; two grandchildren, Carla Rolland and husband Joel, and Lance Wilkinson and wife Jennifer; and four great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Abygail Rolland, and Trey and Hayden Wilkinson.
William is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will was held on Monday, March 23, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Services were held Tuesday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Keever’s. Memorials may be made to Texas Baptist Men at 5351 Catron, Dallas, TX 75227 or Baylor Baptist Church of Ennis, Texas.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
