08/27/2008

William Theodore Dalrymple

August 25, 2008

OFDA received word that William Theodore Dalrymple, 85, of Paris, Texas, formerly of Struthers, Ohio died Monday, August 25, 2008.

Mr. Dalrymple was born January 24, 1923, in New Alexandria, Ohio, a son of Stanley and Beulah McCullough Dalrymple. Bill was a valued part-time associate with Davidson-Becker Funeral Home for 56 years originally as an ambulance technician and later as a funeral attendant. He worked concurrently for 29 years with Gold Cross Ambulance and 40 years with Gold Cross Limousine and Livery Service, working for many area funeral homes with Gold Cross funeral coaches and limousines.

He began work as an installer with Western Electric in 1941, returning there after the war until 1950. He then worked as an electrician and lineman with the former Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company for 2 1/2 years, then becoming a detective with the P. & L.E. Railroad for one year. From 1952 until retirement in 1979, at the closing of the plant, he was an electrician and lineman with the Ohio Works of U.S. Steel.

During WW II, Bill served in the 6th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps, as a Corporal with the Scouts & Snipers in the Pacific theater on Guadalcanal, Guam, Saipan, and MogMog. He received a Purple Heart for combat wounds incurred on Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. He was then deployed to China at the end of WW II as were others of the 6th Marines.

He was a member of the Struthers Presbyterian Church, past Commander of the American Legion Post 158 of Struthers, a member of the United States Marine Corps League, a 32-year member of the Struthers Volunteer Fire Department and member of the Struthers Athletic Club. Bill helped coach Little League baseball and was an assistant leader for Boy Scout Troop 16.

Surviving are his son, Guy "Pete" and daughter-in-law, Judie, with whom he made his home since 2006; two brothers, Marshall and Fred; a grandson, James and wife, Jeannette and a granddaughter, Kelly. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Margaret "Peg" Hoop, whom he married upon return from the war on July 4, 1946. She passed away on August 8, 2006.

"Big Bill" will be remembered as a friend to many, a stranger to few. He spent his life in service to his family, his country and his community.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring Street, Struthers, Ohio 44471. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery, Poland, OH. Friends will be received Thursday, August 28 from 5:00 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Lamar County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.beckerobits.com.