http://www.newspressnow.com/obituaries/mooney-william-r/article_c26f80dc-960b-54c8-ac6c-5d4ddf273032.html

William Bill R. Mooney, 93, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2015.

Bill was born on October 29, 1921, in St. Joseph, to Charles and Ethel (McBride) Mooney. He married Jean Kelly on December 28, 1944.

His parents; two sisters, Clare Marie Wright and Tootie Schuske; and two brothers, Charles and Marvin Mooney preceded him in death.

He spent his life in the St. Joseph area. During WWII he served in the Navy as a carrier Fighter Pilot where he was shot down and spent 17 days at sea before being rescued during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. After the war, he went into the family business (Mooney Moving) before starting his own business, Bills Saddlery in 1957. He was highly successful as a saddlemaker having made several saddles that are in museums including the Smithsonian. He enjoyed his horses, hunting, fishing, gardening and tinkering around the farm.

He is survived by his wife, of 71 years, Jean Mooney, of the home; his children, William (Ruth) Mooney, Robert (Stef) Mooney, Marilyn (Phil) Armfield all of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Michael Mooney, Kelly Mooney, Joel Mooney, Craig Armfield, and Keri Stanley; eight great-grandchildren; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Private Graveside Farewell Services & Inurnment: Mount Auburn Cemetery.

The family will gather with friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

The family suggests memorial gifts to a charity of the donors choice or a good scotch.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.

William R Mooney (1921)