William Chandler "Bill" Phelps

William Chandler "Bill" Phelps, Jr., 92, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2022 and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Bill was born August 29, 1929 in Petoskey, Michigan to William Chandler and Frances (Kuberski) Phelps, Sr. He grew up in Winslow, Arizona and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He later earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Kellogg Community College on the GI BILL. Bill honorably served our country in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, serving during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), working in electronics. Bill was then employed as a computer analyst for over 20 years at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, prior to retiring a second time. He also worked 18 years at Cedar Creek Golf Course wearing an abundance of hats.

He was united in marriage to Linda Lee Hammond, the love of his life on February 27, 1960 at Lakeview Baptist Church. Surviving are Linda, his wife of 62 years; their three children, Kimberly (Todd) Michael of Kalamazoo, Jeffrey Phelps of Battle Creek, Lauree (Mark) Quada of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Jessica (Kevin) Douglass, Amanda (Mark) Kossen, Alexander Michael, Hannah Quada; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Jonah Douglass and a sister, Frances Gillette of Globe, Arizona. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was a long time member of Woodland Church, where he and Linda served and were part of the Connections Team. He was very proud of his service and a very patriotic veteran. On June 4, 2016, he felt honored to be included on a Talons Honor Flight, from Battle Creek to Washington D.C. At the age of 10, Bill began working in a bowling alley setting pins. Bowling then became a lifelong passion. Bill was an excellent bowler having bowled two 300 games, was a top bowler locally, competed in the Nationals and received an award as the oldest male bowler in Battle Creek. Bill also enjoyed golfing and was a member of Riverside Country Club and the former Riverside Swim Club. He was a long time member of American Legion #298 and Battle Creek Elks Lodge #131. Bill was a devoted family man. He will also be remembered as kind, generous, loving, and witty. He had many interests including; bingo, reading, cribbage, and euchre. He also was a huge fan of both the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Tigers.

Friends will be received 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A graveside service to celebrate Bill's life and service to his country will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Fort Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard. Inurnment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Church, 14425 Helmer Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.