William Franklin Scott

William Franklin (Bill) Scott

Bill (27 Jun 1931 - 6 Nov 2023) born in Douglas County, Missouri to Foy Eldridge (1905-1963) and Verla Hope (Bell) Scott (1913-1998) passed away in Caldwell, Idaho. Bill moved with his family to Idaho in July 1944 where he graduated from Parma High School in 1949. He married Lorraine Josephine Willey (16 Aug 1932-16 Mar 1988) of Jamestown, ND on 9 Aug 1955 in Caldwell, ID and made their home in Wilder, ID. To this union, Bill and Lorraine had three children: William David (Janine) Scott of Kooskia, ID, Sandra Kay (Bill) Braseth of Boise, ID, and Lori Ann (Jack) Ulrich of Homedale, ID.

During basic training at Fort Eustis, VA and when transporting military supplies to Thule Greenland, Bill became friends with Donald Willey, who introduced him to Don’s sister Lorraine. The two corresponded while Bill was stationed in Korea; and after his discharge, the two married. Lorraine passed away of bone cancer. Bill remarried to Shirley Mae (Goodson) Dawson (1935-2008) 21 Sep 1991.

Bill served his country, ultimately as a Staff Sergeant, in the United States Army, 8th Army, 2nd Infantry Division, during the Korean Conflict (11 Dec 1951–11 Dec 1954). He served at Fort Story, VA, Fort Kilmer, NJ and Thule Air Base, Greenland where he loaded and transported supplies in the Army’s “Ducks” (amphibious trucks). From 15 Feb 1953 - 31 Mar 1953, he spent 45 days on a ship from Camp Kilmer bound for South Korea, by way of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Japan. While stationed at Camp Drake in Inchon, South Korea and Fort Lewis in Seattle, WA, he was a bus driver for servicemen. He transported troops from the demilitarized zone (DMZ) after the prisoner exchange with North Korea.

Bill was hired as a result of the GI Bill in Aug 1955 by the Owyhee Telephone Company, which changed ownership numerous times over his 32-year career. Bill ultimately retired to spend time with Lorraine before her death. The town of Wilder basically shut down during the fall hunting season, when Bill and Lorraine would go hunting with Uncle Leo and Aunt Phyllis. Just about every weekend, Bill and Lorraine and cousin JD and Irma Scott play Pinochle, while the kids watched listening to their playful banter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, and two sisters, Stella Nadine (Scott) Hodge and Jesse Joan (Jo Ann) (Scott) Smith. He is survived by his three children; grandchildren Amber Michelle Ulrich (Kyle) Sela, of Sun Valley, ID, Jessica Jo Ulrich (Jason) Smith, of Adrian, OR and Samuel Rolf (Karlie) Braseth, of Boise, ID; great-grandchildren Bear Michael and Case James Sela, and Cy Patrick and Bailey Lorraine Smith; and William James Braseth.

Bill’s family would like to thank Autumn Wind Assisted Living in which Bill lived for almost three years. He was a gentle soul who made family of many of the residents and staff members. Thanks to Dr Christopher Keller and Dr Jeffrey Hansen for their compassionate care over the years; and, to Keystone Medical and Keystone Hospice for their care during his last few months.

It was Bill’s wish not to have a formal funeral service. His ashes will be split between the gravesites of his two wives and his favorite hunting spot above the Clearwater and Selway Rivers close to Lowell, ID.

Please have a cup of coffee and a slice of pie with vanilla ice cream in his honor!

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