William R. Rooney

FESTUS, MO. - William R. Rooney, 92, formerly of Brookfield and of Youngstown, passed away late Sunday morning, Feb. 19, 2017, at Crystal Oaks Skilled Nursing Center in Missouri, after a long and fulfilling life.

William was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Youngstown, a son of the late Leo and Mary MacDonald Rooney, and lived in this area until moving to Missouri with his wife in May of 2010.

His beloved wife of 60 years, June M. Haupt Hendricks Rooney, whom he married Sept. 30, 1950, preceded him in death Jan. 14, 2011.

Bill was a 1943 graduate of Scienceville (North) High School in Youngstown. He loved his country, and after graduating high school, was proud to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served much of his military time in Europe, and was a radio operator aboard a B-26 bomber.

William was a sales and service technician for Remington-Rand Office Equipment, working through various company subsidiaries, including Trumbull Office Machines in Warren and Campbell Business Machines in Boardman. Mr. Rooney retired in 1989 from Unisys, after spending 47 years in the office equipment business. After retirement, he spent 12 years working with Pinkerton Security, from 1990 until 2002.

A Seventh Day Adventist, Bill enjoyed singing and was a soloist for several area churches. Music was very important to him and he also sang at weddings, funerals, and social events.

He was a member of the Ninth Air Force Veteran’s Association and was a licensed pilot since 1945, enjoying his time in the sky. Mr. Rooney loved his church, his family, and had a great love of dogs. He will always be remembered for his warm heart, his big voice, and his firm handshake.

William leaves his daughter, Melody J. (Conrad) Weier of Youngstown; a granddaughter, Heather J. (Adam) Rowland of Festus; two great-grandchildren, Conner and Chloe Rowland; a sister-in-law, Elsie Rooney of Struthers; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, a brother, Everett P. Rooney; a sister, Phyllis Stacy; and a half-brother, Kenneth Aiman, preceded him in death.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25.

Committal services with military honors will follow at Petersburg Cemetery, where Mr. Rooney will be laid to rest next to his wife.

Bill’s family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution do so in his name to Praise Temple Church, 2131 Highway A, Fredericktown, MO., 63645.