Howard William “Bill’’ French, 87, of Lebanon, formerly of Rolla, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, in Rolla.
He was born Nov. 17, 1934, in Aurora, Mo. to Howard and Elizabeth Calloway French.
On Dec. 22, 1956, he married Judith Sue “Judy’’ Lorance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard “Dick’’ and Bradford French.
Bill, as he was known to family and friends, made a profession of faith in Christ and at the time of his passing was a member of Greentree Christian Church.
He graduated from Lebanon High School with the class of 1952. For over 20 years, he was the owner of French Photography in Rolla, Mo. Prior to his retirement, he was also employed with Wal-Mart, where he was an assistant manager. He was a talented singer, loving all genres of music, but particularly enjoyed singing gospel music. He was part of the gospel group, “Revelation.” Bill was an avid sports fan. He loved golf and in younger years coached Little League. He was a member of Rotary Club, board member of the Methodist Church and a fraternity counselor. Of all the many things he enjoyed about life, time spent, laughter shared and stories told, typically by him, as his family lovingly recalls, is what he treasured most.
He is survived by his wife Judy; four sons, Craig French and his wife Kerri of Rolla, and their daughter, Maggie, Paul French and his wife Mary of Springfield, and their daughter, Lauren, David French and his wife Amanda of Springfield and their daughter, Rachael and Steven French and his wife Pat of Rolla, and their daughter, Shelbi; brothers-in-law, Clyde Lorance and his wife Carol and J.L. Pearcy; special friend, Greg Sanden; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services and burial for Howard William “Bill’’French will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, at Lebanon Cemetery with Pastor Tim Cook officiating, under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.
There is no scheduled visitation.
Memorials have been suggested in memory of Bill to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
