William John Carns passed away Jan. 30, 2016 at the age of 95. He was born April 15, 1920 in Toledo, Washington to John and Anna (Kalista) Carns. At age 15, he had his own team of horses and worked in the Chehalis Valley.
Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and served four years in Europe, including the landings at Normandy on D-Day. While in Newport, South Wales, he met the love of his life, Clyntha. They were married for 58 years.
After the war, he supported his family falling timber and later in local sawmills. Bill had a love for the family farm of 150 acres, he worked it and hand milked cows for several years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clyntha; sister, Blanche; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Pool.
He is survived by his brother, George (Iris) of Alaska; three children, Terry (Pam), David (Shirley) and Wendy (Greg) Dawes; six grandchildren, Tim, Kevin, Kristen, Craig (Megan), Elaina (Kris) and Jamie (Kendra); seven great-grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan), Elliott, Amelia, Scarlett, Finn, Kain and Aston. Also surviving is a special nephew Ray (Judy) Podmore and children, Ronald and Cheryl (Jeff) Rathjen; and several other nieces and nephews.
Bill Carns was a strong, hardworking and loving man to his family and friends. He was always willing to lend a hand and was content with a simple life. He was not a complainer and a phrase he often used when asked how he was is “I’m Ok”, regardless of how he actually was.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. A reception will follow in the Sticklin Hospitality Room.
Memorials may be donations to our local VFW Post 2200, 111 1/2 Main St., Centralia, WA 98531, in Bill’s honor.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. 360-736-1388.
Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com
