Walter W. L. "Bill" Brownson, 89, of Howard Divide passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Lock Haven Hospital. He was born January 22, 1924 in Sterling, Ohio, a son of the late John & Ruth Gray Brownson.
On September 20, 1948 he married Helen M. Heaton who preceded him in death on July 10, 2006.
Bill worked in the Auto Sales & Service Industry and was owner & operator of Brownson Auto Body. He was of the Protestant faith. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines during WWII serving in the 1st Infantry Raider Battalion. He fought in Guadacanal and received numerous medals including the Purple Heart.
Bill enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, antiquing, and storytelling.
He is survived by five daughters; Vickie (Jerry) Hanley, of Beech Creek, Dixie Lucas, of Bellefonte, Kathryn (Bill Edwards) Miller, of Mill Hall, Debra (David) Marler, of Orlando, FL., and Sharon (Nick) Rhoads of Marsh Creek, two sons; William L. of Bellefonte and Larry W. (Brenda) of Howard, two sisters; Betty Weaver, of Rote and Donna Heaton of Howard, one brother; Willard "Buzz" Brownson, of Howard, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers, and two grandsons, Billy Paul Hanley and William Leroy Brownson Jr.
Friends will be received from 6 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the Kader-Neff Funeral Home, 135 W. Main Street, Howard. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the funeral home with the Rev. Shawn T. Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Romola Cemetery, with military rites accorded at the graveside.