Wilford Delano Carrell

Wilford D. "Willie" Carrell, age 78 passed away Saturday November 24, 2012. At Clyde Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was a life-long resident of Evansville, Indiana until moving to Texas in 2007.

Willie is survived by his beloved wife Ruth A. (Nee Lilienkamp) Carrell of McKinney, Texas, daughter Janet Bryan and husband Ken of Plano, Texas, son David Carrell and wife April of Lake Charles, Louisiana, son Michael Carrell and wife Mary of McKinney, Texas, his dear grandchildren Stephen, Julie, and Patrick Bryan of Plano, Texas, Kelsey and Andrew Carrell of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Matthew and Margaret Carrell of McKinney, Texas. Also surviving is a sister Donna Gostley and brother Dale Carrell and wife Helen of Evansville, Indiana and brother Kenneth and wife Colleen of Dallas, Texas and brother-in-law Paul Lilienkamp of Westford, Massachusetts and many loving nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Elymus and Matilda Carrell and brother Elymus "Ely" Carrell, all of Evansville, Indiana and also an infant granddaughter Lindsey Dawn Carrell of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Willie was born and raised on Evansville's west side. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Trinity Lutheran School. He was a 1951 graduate of Central High School and Mechanic Arts Trade School.

Willie married his sweetheart Ruth Ann Lilienkamp on September 29, 1956 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and thereafter transferred to St. Paul's from Trinity Lutheran Church. He was an active member of St. Paul's holding various positions. Willie was a Trustee, Deacon, Head of Deacon's and also on the building committee. He also enjoyed being a member of the Encouragers Senior Group. After moving to Texas he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Willie was a Veteran of the United States Army having served as part of Operation Gyroscope being in Europe most of his service.

He retired from Whirlpool Corporation as a Millwright in the maintenance department after being with Whirlpool for 45 ½ years. He was a member of Local 808 IUE.

After retirement he worked part time for seven years for Oak Meadow maintaining the golf carts and enjoyed chatting with the golfers. Willie was very talented and a very hard worker. He enjoyed working with his hands and by himself. Built an addition to his home and added a two car garage. He also enjoyed keeping the yard looking nice. He enjoyed vacationing with his family at Clearwater Beach. In later years he and Ruth enjoyed several motor coach tours. He especially liked traveling West several times each summer and brought his grandchildren to Evansville and enjoyed showing them a fun time.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 9:30 - 10:00 AM with services immediately following at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 301 Country Club Road, Fairview, Texas 75069. Committal Services will be at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 301 Country Club Road, Fairview, Texas 75069 or to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 100 E. Michigan Street, Evansville, Indiana 47711. Donations can also be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090