William Jean Croes

William Jean “Bill” Croes passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2016 in his home surrounded by family. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Denise Palfyn Croes, daughter Joyce Croes Bingham, and grandson Josh Lowry Eatman. He was also predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Malvina Croes, and his twin brother, Arthur.

Bill’s parents immigrated to Lawrence, MA from the France-Belgium border region bringing their textile weaving expertise to the New England textile industry. Bill is survived by his daughter, Janis Eatman Davis (husband Wayne) of Portsmouth, VA, grandson William “Andy” Eatman (Los Angeles, CA) and two granddaughters, Emily Bingham Zora (husband Firend) of Mumbai, India, and Kate Bingham Houston (husband Michael) of Woodside, CA. Bill is also survived by his two beautiful great-grandchildren, William (3) and Victoria Zora (1).

Born on February 2, 1924, Bill had many accomplishments into his long life. Early in life he and his twin brother, Arthur, staged prize fights between themselves for fun and profit. In his youth Bill held many jobs including delivering ice for refrigeration throughout the city of Lawrence, as well as working on a deep-sea fishing boat. His love of flying came at an early age when he worked at the local airport in exchange for pilot training. Later he followed his family and also began working in textiles. When World War II broke out and as soon as Bill became 18 years of age, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps and became a bomber pilot flying missions from bases in Italy into Germany. Though he was the pilot and airplane commander, Bill was the youngest member of the crew. This is a testimony to his intelligence and cando spirit. For his war time service Bill was awarded two Bronze Stars among other recognition.

After the war Bill returned to the textile industry where he managed textile mills in Halifax and Drakes Branch, Virginia. Despite a promising career in textiles, Bill’s love of flying manifested itself again, this time by securing a position with Sikorsky Aircraft (helicopters) as a field service technical representative. In this role Bill traveled the world visiting almost every country except Russia and living for several years with his wife, Denise, in Germany and Austria. Later, Bill was promoted to the position of manager of the Sikorsky field service technical representatives, the position from which he retired in 1987. Bill and Denise enjoyed many trips in their RV, routinely taking the grandchildren along for weeks at Emerald Isle. Bill has lived in Apex for the last 29 years.

Bill will always be remembered for his humor, kindness, and unbounded generosity. He will be sorely missed.

The family will always be grateful to the Guardian Angels of Virtue nursing staff and Transitions LifeCare (Hospice) for their exceptional loving care. In accordance with Bill’s wishes, no public service is planned.