This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: ROON, BOS, SCOTT, KRAMER, NORMAN, MEYERS, PACHECO, TOMLINSON Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22211/mb.ashx Message Board Post: ROON, Willis A. "Bill" Of Portage Mr. Roon passed away February 2, 2008 at Heartland Health Care Center where he had been loved and exceptionally well cared for since early December. Bill was born on July 9, 1918 in Forrest Grove, MI, the son of the late Peter J. and Jennie (Bos) Roon. Not long after graduation from Hopkins High School (Class of"35") he met the late Maxine Scott and they married in 1939. Shortly thereafter Bill enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Together, Bill and Maxine raised 3 sons, who survive, Gary "Jack" Roon of Lawton, Thomas Roon of Kalamazoo and Peter (Debbie) Roon of Portage. As a contractor and owner of W. A. Roon & Sons, Bill built many custom homes, including much of Parkview Hills and Bronson Woods. He was an active member of the Home Builders Association for many years and served as president in 1964. Bill was a life-long sports enthusiast and especially loved baseball and softball. He was one of the founding fathers of Milwood Little League and sp! ent countless hours volunteering and being the #1 fan of his children and grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by one sister, Elvira Kramer of Saginaw, MI in 1992; and daughter-in-law, Pam (Tom) Roon in 2002. Surviving are his brother, Bud (Fran) Roon of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and sister, Lois (Gene) Norman of Hopkins, MI. Bill was a loving grandfather to 6 grandchildren, Jody (John) Meyers and Jason Roon of Kalamazoo, Casey (David) Pacheco of Houston, TX, Jennifer (Ryan) Tomlinson and Logan (Mallory) Roon of Portage and Matt (Cindy) Roon of Orlando, FL. He was also a great grandfather to Joey Meyers and David Pacheco and a very special "Popper" to Ty Tomlinson. Bill is also survived by some very special nieces and nephews, and extra special friends; Charlie Jako, Bill Diehl and his beloved Dorothy Guilfoyle. Memorial services for Bill will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with Rev. James Dyke officiating. Pr! ivate interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may vi sit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Monday (tomorrow) at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kairos Dwelling or a charity of one's choice. www.langelands.com Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette from 2/3/2008 - 2/4/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.