William Lester House's Obituary
William Lester House, known to all as “Bill”, was born in Dallas, TX on April 29, 1929. He was the youngest of five children born to parents Rex B. House, Sr. and Ila Mae Poynter House. He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and brother. Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years Evelyn Gault House, daughter Kathy Henry, daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Tom Reynolds, son and daughter-in-law Ron and Tina House, grandchildren Kristi Hunt, Nicholas House, Natalie Barnes, Ashley West, Robyn Willard, Beau Hyde. Rachel Reynolds and Michael and great-grandchildren Cole Hunt, Taylor Hunt, Drew Barnes, Bobbie Gail Barnes, Charlie Evelyn Barnes, Shooter West, Emalee Hyde, Aaron Hyde, Melissa Reynolds and Tommy Reynolds.
Bill was raised in Old East Dallas, born at his parents’ home on Barry Avenue. He attended some of the oldest schools in Dallas – Mount Auburn Elementary School, J. L. Long Jr. High School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Four days after his 17th birthday, Bill became a member of the United States Marine Corps receiving two Honorable Discharges. He served one tour closing military bases throughout the South and Southwest Pacific after World War II. The second tour was spent with the 1st Marine Division in South and Central Korea. Bill is a member of the Marine Corps Association and a Life Member of the National 1st Marine Division Association.
Bill became a member of the Dallas Police Department in 1953 and served 26 years as a Patrolman, Detective and Sergeant of Detectives. While a proud member of the Dallas Police Department, he continued his education by completing courses toward a degree in Criminal Justice at SMU, LSU, USC, SHSU and Henderson County Junior College. After retiring from the Police Department, he became a Special Investigator for the Dallas District Attorney Henry Wade. His assignments for 14 years were in Misdemeanor and Felony Courts, Career Criminal Section, Specialized Crime Section, Grand Jury and training supervisor for all investigators.
He was a Master Mason in East Dallas Lodge #1200, a 32nd degree Mason in the Dallas Consistory Scottish Rite and a member of Hella Temple Shrine serving over 50 years in each organization. Bill was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church in Crandall where he served for many years as both a Trustee and Deacon.
Bill was an active community volunteer participating in several committees and projects for the City of Crandall and the Crandall ISD. He served as a member, President and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Kaufman County Senior Citizens and Secretary of the Kaufman Area Rural Transit Board of Directors.
He loved all sports and was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years. Bill and Evelyn traveled extensively after their retirements taking cross country motor trips, organized bus trips cruises and European vacations. He could always be found attending a sports game or event when one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren were involved. He loved life and all the people in it.
Bill was proudest of his family and looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with them all. He will say that his greatest accomplishments in life are serving his family, his community, his country and his Lord.
Bill died at home on March 16, 2020 surrounded by his family.
As an alternative to flowers, donations can be made to:
Central Baptist Church - People Mover Fund, 1749 FM 148, Crandall, TX. 75114.
Assist the Officer Foundation In the name of Bill House, 1412 Griffin Street East, Dallas, TX 75215
http://www.atodallas.org
Services: Friday, March 20, 2020 at Central Baptist Church in Crandall, TX. Visitation at 10:00 am. Service at 11:00 am
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