W.A. "Bill" Alspaugh

W.A. "Bill" Alspaugh

June 7, 1926 ~ May 3, 2017

Funeral services for William Alton "Bill" Alspaugh, 90, of Slaton were held Wednesday, May 3, at 2:30 pm in the Bible Baptist Church of Slaton with Chris Downer and David Jenkins officiating. Burial followed in Englewood Cemetery under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

Bill Alspaugh was born June 7, 1926 in Lubbock County to Joseph W. Alspaugh and Myrtle Bird Alspaugh. Bill grew up in the McClung community and attended Roosevelt schools, graduating in 1943. He then joined the Merchant Marines, serving 26 months on tankers hauling naphtha to England and oil to France during World War II. He married Ruby Faye Hancock on Oct. 19, 1947, in Lubbock. They moved to Slaton, where he and Ruby farmed and raised their family. Bill was active in the Slaton Rotary and Lions Clubs and served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church. He also served on farm related boards, including the Hi Plains Underground Water District, Slaton Coop Gin and Idalou Coop Gin. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Lubbock County in 1968 and Slaton Farmer of the Year in 1976.

In 1980, Bill and Ruby retired to Highland Haven, on the shores of Lake LBJ. There he served as president of the Highland Haven Property Owners Association for five years and was instrumental in getting Highland Utilities water system in place. He was also a part owner of Kinglsand Real Estate. At the lake, he taught his grandchildren to fish, swim and water ski. He and Ruby enjoyed gardening, traveling and their many friends. In 2004, Bill and Ruby returned to Slaton to be closer to family.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruby Hancock Alspaugh, on Aug. 25, 2012. Also preceding him were his parents; two brothers, James Alspaugh and Don Alspaugh; and his sister Wynelle Kilcrease.

Those who survive him are two sons, Curtis Alspaugh and Joe (Doris) Alspaugh, and two daughters, Donna Kay (Dubbin) Englund, all of Slaton, and Peggy (Gary) Basinger of Richwood. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

The family is appreciative of the staff of Library of Legacies of Slaton for their care and compassion for both Bill and Ruby.

The family suggests memorial to the Weekend Snack Sack Program, PO Box 54, Slaton, TX 79364 or Slaton Meals on Wheels, 230 W. Lynn, Slaton, TX 79364.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.englundsfuneralservices.com.