William "Bill" Worthen Houle

ADRIAN- William “Bill” Worthen Houle, at an impressive 100 yrs old, died Friday morning, November 15, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Bill was born on May 29, 1924, in Newbury, MA, the son of Frank and Dorothy (Proctor) Houle. He was the youngest of three children, older brother Raymond Proctor Houle and sister Caroline, who died in childhood. In March of 1943, Bill’s senior year in high school, he was drafted. He graduated in June and was off to basic training in July. Bill became a member of the 104th Regiment, 26th Infantry or Yankee Division, which became part of General George Patton’s 3rd Army. This Regiment turned the tide of the war in Ardennes, Belgium in 1944, known as the Battle of the Bulge during the coldest December on record. Bill took notes and wrote profusely, publishing papers about the war, even writing a book about his experiences. Bill visited the families of fellow soldiers who did not return home and shared their stories with their loved ones. In later years, Bill visited some of the battlefields he fought on and attended many of the ceremonies of the memorials in the United States and Europe. The impact and devastation of the war followed Bill the rest of his life. He was a member of the Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion and DAV. After his time in the military, Bill attended Defiance College on the GI bill and earned his teaching degree. It was at college that Bill met his future wife, Doris Jane “Connie” McKitrick. After getting married, Bill and Connie lived in Swanton and Toledo, Ohio; where they welcomed a son, Doug and daughter, Kathy. Bill went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Toledo and finished at Wayne State University where he achieved his doctorate in education. For thirty years, Bill was an elementary school teacher and left a lasting impression on his young students. Once retired, Bill worked for Builders Square and tackled remodeling projects at home. He enjoyed a memorable trip to Scotland and took his extensive rock collection to area schools to share with the students. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; and children, Kathleen and Douglas. Bill is survived by his niece, Linda (Carl) Jacobs and their children and grandchildren; niece Betsy Houle; and nephews, Mark (Laurel) Houle and Peter (Christine) Houle and their children and grandchildren in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, with Rev. Larry Betz officiating. Burial will follow at Clinton Grove Cemetery in Clinton Township. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the start of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

William "Bill" Worthen Houle

May 29, 1924 - November 15, 2024