William Charles Mossman

98, passed away in Lancaster, California on December 9, 2021. Born in the small historic gold mining town of Baldy in Colfax County, New Mexico on May 16, 1923. He was the third of eleven children born to William Margot and Manuela Mossman.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 73 years, Faye, his daughter Gaydean Selph, his grandchildren Brenda Stults and Mindy Mossman, his brothers Eloy, Arthur, Dave, John, Elmer, Ted Mossman, and his sisters, Susan Vigil and Elizabeth Sanchez. He is survived by his children, Valentine Robillard (Roger) of Lancaster, CA, Jack Mossman (Nancy) of Palmdale, CA, and Bill Mossman (Lola) of Lowell, Arkansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sherri Annoreno, Deanna Mosher, Brandy Stephenson, Larry Stults, Amanda Stults, Leslie Garcia, Katherine Mossman, Jacquelyn Mossman, Jack Mossman II, Andrew Mossman, and many great grandchildren. William is also survived by his sisters, Irene Mossman, and Joann Alvarado.

William graduated Questa High School in Questa, New Mexico. He subsequently began working as a miner at the Molybdenum Mine in Moly Mine, in Northeastern New Mexico.

In April of 1944, William “Billy” Mossman was inducted in the army and sent to Ft Bliss, Texas for processing. He completed his basic training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas and was subsequently transferred to Ft Riley, Kansas where the newly formed 482nd Battalion of the 9th Armored Division was activated.

Billy received a battlefield promotion to Sergeant and was awarded a combat infantryman’s badge along with other decorations and citations for his efforts and participation in the liberation of Europe from German occupation.

Billy was honorably discharged in May of 1946. He returned to Taos County, New Mexico and began working at the Moly Mine once again. Billy married the former Faye Jaramillo of Questa, New Mexico in 1948. They moved to San Diego, California in 1951 to raise their two daughters Gaydean and Valentine and two sons, Jack, and Bill Mossman.

Billy began his lengthy career in the aircraft building industry working at the Convair Aircraft Plant near Lindberg Field in San Diego, CA. Billy subsequent transferred to McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Palmdale, California in 1961. After thirty years in the aircraft manufacturing business, he took an early retirement to begin his love of travel with his wife Faye

Billy remained in touch with his band of brothers from World War II. It was that group that alerted him to the Honor Flight Organization. Billy applied in 2012 and was chosen in July 2013.

William’s most treasured memory was this trip to Washington DC sponsored by the Honor Flight Program. He considered this trip a special highlight of his life. Billy arranged for his son, Jack Mossman to serve as his “guardian” and accompany him on the trip.

Viewing Monday December 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m at Joshua Memorial Park and Mortuary

Rosary will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass and burial

at Joshua Memorial Park.