William C. Prescott

SIOUX CITY -- William "Bill" Charles Prescott, 89, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at Sunrise Retirement Community, comforted by family.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2009 at St. James United Methodist Church, 2032 S. Cypress, with the Rev. Ryan Christensen and Pastor Jon Moravec officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

Bill was born April 29, 1920, in Sioux City, to Robert and Ione B. (Fosnaugh) Prescott. He was raised in Sioux City, graduating from East High School with the class of 1938. He attended Morningside College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps to serve his country on Sept. 6, 1941. He served with the 12th Air Force, 57th Fighter Group, 65th Fighter Squadron, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Bill was crew chief for the fighter group's commanding officer. His unit arrived in Palestine in 1942 and went on to see action across North Africa, Sicily, Corsica, Italy and Southern France. Bill received several medals including Distinguished Unit 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; European, African and Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbons with Silver Battle Star and four Bronze Battle Stars. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 28, 1945.

Bill was united in marriage to Georgia Lou Scholtes on March 9, 1946, in Sioux City. He went to work for his father as a plumber in the family business, R. Prescott Plumbing and Heating. He owned and operated the business along with his father and brother, Robert. Bill retired in 1991.

He enjoyed time with his family and was an avid bowler for 50 years (served as president of the Sioux City Bowling Association). Bill enjoyed gardening, and especially loved growing roses. He was active in the Boy Scouts while his sons were young. He was a longtime member of St. James United Methodist Church where he was an usher for 20 years and served as Lay Leader, was a Trustee, and was on the Building Committee.

Bill is survived by his wife, Georgia Prescott; two sons, Bill Prescott and his wife, Linda and Rick Prescott and his special friend, Nancy Brommer; three daughters, Kathy Doane, Carolyn Blair and Pat Ryan; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ione Morgan and her husband, Richard; and a brother-in-law, James Scholtes and his wife, Doris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob.

The family requests that memorials be directed to St. James United Methodist Church or Sunrise Retirement Community.