Services: 1p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, West Branch. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. today, funeral home.

WEST BRANCH, Iowa —William “Bill” Ramsey, 81, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at his home in West Branch.

Burial will be at the West Branch Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Ramsey was born on Jan. 13, 1927, in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Samuel and Florence Crump Ramsey. He married Joyous Keefer Feb. 6, 1949, in Kirksville, Mo.

He served in the U.S. Army during WW II as a tank radio operator. he was employed as a painter with the University of Iowa for 37 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, as well as boating and waterskiing. He liked to read, especially the books of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. He enjoyed working outdoors in his garden.

Survivors include his wife, Joyous; daughter, Misty Brown of California and grandchildren, Angel, Kenny and Shelly; daughter, Merry Landenberger and husband, Lee, Hawarden, and grandchildren, Roxsi Topete and Alan Mace and wife, Julie; son, Willie Ramsey and wife, Gisela, Paddock Lake, Wis. and grandchildren, Lawrence, Joseph and Jacqueline; a brother John Ramsey;  a daughter in law, Darlene Ramsey; nephews, Bill and Sam; niece, Debbie; 15 great- grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon Lee and sister Cora Mae.