Col. Bill J. Strang

Bill loved his family, the 188th, and his life with Freda on their hill. He served four years in the United States Air Force and returned to Fort Smith to join the Arkansas Air National Guard. Bill received his first set of wings in January 1957, but on February 20, 2021, God gave him his permanent wings. He flew every aircraft the Air National Guard supported, from B26 to F16, with a total of seven, different aircrafts from 1955 to 1989. He retired as commander of the 188th in 1989.

Bill was one of the founders of the Lee Creek Rural Water District, and Lee Creek Fire Department. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for thirty years.

He is survived by his wife Freda; one daughter, Marvetta; three sons, Mark, Doug, and Dennis; five sisters, Exine, Nadine , Gelene , Ernestine , and Earlene; one brother, Harley; two granddaughters, Alysia, and Nikki; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Roxie Strang, sisters, Alene Fuller and Maxine Brown; brothers, Ernest Jr., James Strang, and Robert Strang; one grandson, Matthew Williams.

Burial of ashes will be 10:00 AM Thursday, February 25, 2021 in U S National Cemetery in Fort Smith.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, February 25, 2021 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to: Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com