William "Bill" French

William "Bill" French

Wyoming

William “Bill” Leroy French, born May 29, 1952, died December 29, 2024. Bill was clever, kind and funny, a loving brother and uncle, a Marine Corps veteran, a devoted son, and a friend to many.

Bill grew up in Wyoming, Iowa, where he graduated from Midland High School in 1970. He entered the Marines in 1970 and served his country during the Vietnam war as a helicopter mechanic, often contributing to the success of rescues and medical transports.

After retiring, Bill devoted many years of his life to the care of his mother, Willine. He made friends easily, could fix just about anything, enjoyed fishing, and loved dogs, especially those he rescued or adopted.

He is survived by his siblings Shelley French Davis (David), Texas, Patrick Cavey (Pam), Mechanicsville, IA, and Vern Cavey, Colorado; his god-daughter Lynda Flagel Gustavus (Lee “Bo”), Texas; his nieces and nephews, Ann Cavey Jameson (Jack), Robins, IA; Kelsie Cavey Dotterer (Chad), Iowa City; Jason Cavey (Stacey), Kolona, IA; Jared Cavey, Ohio; Melissa Cavey Gurley, (Brian), Colorado; Mikaya Cavey Strope (Matthew), Colorado; Macklyn Cavey, Colorado; Morgan Davis Gieringer (Tim), Texas; and Allegra Davis Hanna (Brian), Texas; his cousins Lana Flagel, Maquoketa, IA, Sharley Laetare, Olin, IA, and Larry Bearce (Kathy), Monticello, IA; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Willine Lucella French Cavey Lanfier, his uncles Emil French and Lumyr French, his aunt Emily French Boots, and his niece Jamie Cavey Lang.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences with the family. Donations in Bill’s honor may be made to the Iowa City VA (https://www.va.gov/iowa-city-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/), where Bill always felt well taken care of.