William G. French Jr., 91, died Oct. 22, 2015, at Brookdale, Hutchinson, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 18, 1924, in Woodville, Okla., to William G. French, Sr. and Annie Laura (McCuan) French.

Willie, Wid or Bill, as his friends and family lovingly called him, graduated from Old Woodville High School, which is now under Lake Texoma, built as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps following World War II. He worked in construction in Oklahoma before moving to Hutchinson in the late 1940s, where he initially worked for Kansas Power and Light and then with the Hutchinson Fire Department. He retired as captain from the Hutchinson Fire Department after 26 years of service. He also was an officer of the Kansas State Firefighters Association from 1966 through 1971 and was president for the last two years. On his off days from the fire department he worked at Kidwell's Canvas. After retiring from the Hutchinson Fire Department, he tested fire trucks at Collins Industries for five years.

On July 31, 1948, he married Maudine Norris in Texas. She survives. William is also survived by: his sons, Michael (Mary) of Salado, Texas, Chris (Sheryl) of Hutchinson; sister, Trevelyn McElheny of Kingston, Okla.; six grandchildren, Janel Ullman of Scottsdale, Ariz., John French of Green Bay, Wis., Nikki Ferguson of Topeka, Jennifer Cabaniss of Belton, Texas, Christie MacDonald of Katy, Texas, and Anne Schuster of Katy, Texas; 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, George, Dean, Roland and Nolan; and sisters, Clarice Vann, Vivian Howard, Bennie Hawkins and Aline Dillow.

William was an avid hunter and fisherman and was well-known to spin a good story or fish tale. He liked to work all kinds of puzzles, but one of his greatest joys was his family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the children and grandchildren of friends and family. William was a longtime member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, now New Covenant Presbyterian Church. William's faith was strong and his life was an example of his generosity and kindness. He was active in church life, serving as a deacon and elder, volunteering in Kids Club, and in charge of the annual chicken dinner fundraiser for many years.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Dr. Dixie Voss Anders officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family to receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Local 179 Firefighters Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.