Hendren

William C. “Bill” Hendren Jr. was born in Moore County, N.C., on July 29, 1923, and passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Wednesday. He lived for the past seven years at the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople.

Bill attended North Carolina State University before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942. During WWII, he honorably served as an armored gunner and staff sergeant for the 673rd Bombardment Squadron in the Pacific theater.

He met his future wife, Isabelle Gettman, during his flight school training at Slippery Rock State Teacher's College. In 1945, he returned to Pennsylvania. He and Isabelle were married on July 8, 1946, in Zelienople.

Employed for over 33 years with Mine Safety Appliances in the Non-Destructive Testing area, he retired in 1985. After retirement, he continued to pursue his gardening and hunting interests.

Bill was a member of the Harmony Lodge 429 F&AM for many years, the Harmony Loyal Order of Moose and the St. Peter's Reformed Church.

He is survived by two sons, James R. Hendren (Fran) and David W. Hendren; a daughter, Betty A. Deel; a grandson, David M. Hendren (Jennifer); a granddaughter, Whitney S. Farrell (Drew); two great-granddaughters, Helen Isabella “Ellie” and Cassandra Eve “Cassie” Hendren; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Isabelle R. Hendren, who died Feb. 21, 2005; and his twin sisters, Mary Cook and Louise Herrington, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Passavant Retirement Community as well as the VNA of Western Pa. Hospice organization for their compassion and care.

<B>HENDREN</B> — Friends of William C. “Bill” Hendren Jr., who passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2011, will be received from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the <B>Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home and Cremation SERVICES</B>, 219 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VNA of Western PA Hospice, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences and directions are at www.glennkildoofuneralhome.com.