Billy Rumsey Sr.

Billy Maurice Rumsey, Sr. died June 5, 2020 at Mercy Hospital after a short illness.  He was born to Billy and Marjorie (McGahan) Rumsey on May 22, 1941 in Hesperia. He attended Hesperia schools, graduating in 1959. Bill married Karen Lee Wildfong on August 20, 1960. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963, stationed in Jacksonville, FL serving on the USS Enterprise where he began a lifelong friendship with Fred Smith of Ohio.  Bill and Karen lived in Jacksonville until he was honorably discharged and returned to Hesperia to raise their family. Bill lived a life of service to his country, his family, and to his community.  He was a member of the Hesperia Lions Club, the Hesperia Free Fair Board, and he served several terms on the Hesperia Village Council.  Bill enjoyed serving as scoutmaster for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and coaching many of his sons’ baseball teams. One of his proudest efforts was his 50 years of service as a volunteer on the Hesperia Fire Department, where he filled many leadership positions, including chief.  

​Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and he was an avid golfer, serving on the first board of directors of Northwood Golf Course.  Bill and Karen owned and operated a bait shop in Hesperia and also sold snowmobiles for several years. He worked at Sealed Power in Muskegon for over 30 years, and while on an extended layoff, he joined Karen who worked for State Farm Insurance Agency  with their close friends Andy and Billie Patrick.  Bill and Karen vacationed during winters in Arizona once they both retired. 

Bill is survived by his children Billy Jr. (Toni) Rumsey, Scott (Theresa) Rumsey, and Robin (Chris) Hren; grandchildren Lisa (Shawn) Montague, Michael (Melissa) Rumsey, Bryce (Mallary Sattler) Herin, Trent Herin, Claire Rumsey, Isabelle Rumsey, and Zackary Hren; and 9 great-grandchildren: Kayleah, Tyler, Elyse, Aubrey, Sawyer, Delilah, Finley, Graysen, and Jude. Also surviving is special friend Verla Cook; siblings Donald (Tammy) Rumsey, Kenneth (Peggy) Rumsey, Maxine (Eric) Michaels, and Barbara Irey; in-laws Robert (Judy) Wildfong, Janet Wildfong, Della Wildfong, Terry (Pat) Wildfong, and Eileen (Craig) Homan. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 48 years, Karen; his siblings Inez Dutcher, Arthur Rumsey, and Robert Rumsey; and in-laws Richard Wildfong, Larry and Mary Wildfong and Denise Wildfong.

VISITATION : Friday, June 12, 2020 from 12-2pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  Due to restrictions for gatherings, a limited number of people will be able to be inside the funeral home during visitation. PUBLIC GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICES are open to all wishing to attend at the West Hesperia Cemetery with MILITARY HONORS at 2:20pm and FUNERAL SERVICES following. Family and friends attending the visitation and graveside services are asked to wear a mask if able and those needing to sit during the services are encouraged to bring their own chair to the cemetery.  MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Hesperia Area Fire Department in memory of Bill.   Friends may send a condolence, share a memory of share a photo online at www.crandellfh.com.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  231-924-0800

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