William B. Carroll

William B. Carroll, 88, of Sheridan surrounded by his family, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 14, 2010 to be with the Lord.

William was born December 11, 1921 to Robert E. and Lavina (Watson) Carroll. Dad attended Sheridan schools, the University of Wyoming and Colorado College. He also attended Harvard for his naval communications training. He joined the Sigma Nu fraternity during his college years. He served nearly four years during World War II in the navy, receiving a commission as ensign radioman second class. Much of his time in the navy was spent in the Aleutians.

Our dad loved Sheridan and often wrote home during the war voicing his desire to “get home and go up in the mountains.” He served his community over the years. He was a charter member of the YMCA - helping spearhead the fundraising for the current building, past president of the Linden PTA, he was chosen by the governor to be the chairman of the civil defense committee, he served on the city planning commission and was a past president, secretary and treasurer over the many terms he served on the School Board.

Dad was a life-long Baptist and served the First Baptist Church at one time on the Board of Trustees.

He was the co-owner of Carroll’s Furniture for 30 years and retired in the 70’s because of health issues.

More than anything, our father loved his family. He met Nelda Mae Olson during high school, which began a life-long romance. They were married after the war on January 2, 1947. They had five daughters in seven years, which Dad claimed was the source of his hair loss. He taught us to fish, chop wood, dig up stumps, drive a stick shift, shoot a gun, swim, change a flat tire and chase down window peekers with croquet mallets! But most importantly, he taught us to love God and our family.

His final words were about our mother. He repeatedly declared how much he loved her and that she was perfect. Theirs was a love story that not even death could conquer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clifford Carroll and Dr. Robert A Carroll, sisters Ruth Driskill and Ethel Vance, his beloved wife of 60 years and precious daughter, Mary Ann Carroll Taylor.

He is survived by his daughters Jane Carroll of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Catherine Kiaie (Vali) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Patti Prestfeldt (Ron) of Sheridan and Margaret Sare (Curt) of Sheridan. Grandchildren- Jonathan Marshman – Florida, Barbara Benepe (Jim) – Sheridan, Jessica Marshman – Oklahoma, Ernie Taylor (Krystal) – Oklahoma, Will Taylor- Oklahoma, Sarra Kiaie and Alex Kiaie- Wisconsin, Cassie Prestfeldt – Colorado, Levi Sare (Keli) – Florida, Whitney Sare – Florida and AJ Sare – Arizona. Great grandchildren: Jordon Marshman, Mandy Benepe, Tripp Taylor, Logan Sare, Isabella Sare and Jada Poteat.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but we rejoice that he is now at home with the Lord, our sister, Mary, and our mom.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 27 at 12:00 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Chuck Gifford officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County, 1401 W. 5th Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, the Senior Center, 211 Smith Street, Sheridan, WY 82801 or First Baptist Church, 3179 Big Horn Ave, Sheridan, WY 82801.

William Carroll (1921)