William F Festing Jr
Did you know William? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
MSgt William F. Festing, Jr., USMC (Ret.) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, entered Heaven's gates on December 15, 2020, at the age of 94. He was a faithful servant of our Lord, protector of his family and defender of his country. He was a World War II and Korea veteran in the United States Marine Corps before retiring. He continued his commitment to other veterans while working at the Veterans Administration domiciliary in Hampton, Virginia, before retiring again and relocating to Carlsbad, New Mexico where he was active in his church, the VFW, Marine Corps League and other civic organizations. His final relocation was to Gulf Breeze, Florida in 2012.
Bill was born in East Rochester, New York, on March 16, 1926, to William and Margaret Festing. He and his younger brother, Bob, grew up in simpler times and endured the Great Depression. In 1948 he married Helen Yost and raised three children. After 66 years of marriage, Helen passed away. A few years later he met Marie Wager and fell in love again. They married in 2016 and shared a home for almost three years before she passed as well.
Bill was also predeceased by his parents; brother, Bob Festing; niece, Arlene Burke; nephew, Roger Paugh; and granddaughters, Paula Shaw and Shawna Feist.
He leaves behind his loving family, including children, William Festing, III, of Denver, Colorado, Irene Kerns (John) of Navarre, Florida, and Thomas Festing (Fran) of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren, Heather (Donn) Williamson, John Kerns, Jr. (Loujean), James Kerns (Pamela), Maria Festing, and Thomas J. Festing (Nisha); four great grandchildren, Alli Williamson, Faith Feist (Kyle), Andrew Feist, Nathaniel Festing, and Alexandra Kerns; one great-great grandchild, Cole Jorgenson; four nieces and four nephews; and many, many friends, and his faithful dog, Willy.
Because of Bill's commitment to defend, protect and serve, this world is a better and safer place. His life modeled compassion for those in need, love of God, and fervent provider for his family. He will be greatly missed and honored by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Lewis Funeral Homes in Navarre, Florida. Visitation is at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., with his son-in-law and pastor, Rev. John Kerns officiating. Bill will be interned at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida, with military honors.
The family requests memorial donations be made in Bill's name to Navarre BeachSide Church, P. O. Box 5702, Navarre, FL 32566, to assist their efforts to feed and clothe our homeless population during this Christmas season.
The family is very grateful for the compassionate and skillful care provided him at Gulf Breeze Hospital.