William John Britton Hersey Jr.

William John Britton Hersey Jr. was born January 22, 1958 in Owensboro, Kentucky. His parents were the late William Hersey Sr. of Martinsville, Indiana and the late Christine (Staples) Hersey of Indianapolis, Indiana. William preferred to be called Bill. Bill attended Decatur High School in Indianapolis and received his GED. In 1975 while the country was involved in the Vietnam Conflict, Bill made the choice to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He convinced his mother to help him sign up at the age of 16. He went to bootcamp at Marine Corps Base - Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam. He would go on to serve until being Honorably Discharged. For Veterans of his era, Vietnam has had a profound effect on the young men and women who served. It was an unpopular war and many who came home were treated poorly. But Bill was lucky to be in The Marine Corps because they are a tight group. You might have heard the expression “Once a Marine, Always a Marine,” that was certainly true for Bill. He was very proud of his service and would often be seen wearing his USMC hat when he was out and about; forever telling those who came across his path that even though he was discharged, he was still a Marine. He was one of the most patriotic people you would ever meet. The Marines gave him a lifetime of respecting duty, honor, and the love for his country. He passed this trait on to his children. Years after being discharged, Bill would attend Purdue University – Purdue Polytechnic Institute to pursue a path in becoming an electrician. Bill then joined the International Brotherhood of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) in La Porte, Indiana. He was a very proud member of IBEW 531. He worked for them for many years until one day a steel beam fell from above him at a construction site, damaging his arm and hand. This led to surgery and many hours of Physical Therapy. In the end, Bill had lost some of the use of his left arm and hand which limited him in the requirements of his electrical career, which was his passion. In April of 2002, Bill met Mindy Taylor of Salem, Oregon online in a Christian chatroom. Both were very much against looking for someone romantically on the internet. But God had other plans. Bill arrived in Salem, Oregon with his Dalmatian dog named Pongo, just 4 days before Bill and Mindy’s wedding on January 11, 2003 at the South Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church. William passed away on September 11, 2018 at his home in Turner, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Christine, as well as, his son William Hersey III. He is survived by his wife Mindy and their sons Bryton and Haydon of Turner, Oregon. He was also survived by daughter Catrina (Hersey) Brinker of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter Amanda (Hersey) Thomas of Indianapolis, Indiana; Daughter Amber Hersey of Greenwood, Indiana; son Brandon Hersey of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Christine Hersey of Howell, Michigan. Bill had 16 grandkids and one more on the way. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 2 PM at the Marion Church of God 7th Day 7478 Stayton Rd SE, Turner, Oregon 97392 Following the service, Bill will be privately placed at Willamette National Cemetery; sacred grounds for all Veterans who served their country honorably. This beautiful resting place offers comfort, but also serves as a reminder of sacrifice, bravery and freedom. William has earned his place of rest next to his brothers and sisters in arms. Semper Fi William John Britton Hersey Jr, may you rest in God’s hands. The family thanks you for the love and support you have shown them over the last few days. Many have asked how they can help or lend a hand. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made on this memorial page to cover funeral and future household expenses that will accrue. Your kind thoughts and messages are much appreciated during this incredibly difficult time.