Bill D. Kershner

Bill D. Kershner was born December 15, 1936 in San Angelo, TX. and his spirit left his earthly body to join his personal Savior and heavenly Father on November 29, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was 79 years old. He attended Lake View graduating in 1955. While in high school he met his future wife, Margret Elliott. Bill and Margret (Maggie) were married July 14, 1956. He began his music career, playing Trumpet in the Lake View band beginning in the fifth grade and continued playing for the rest of his life. Attending Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX, on a music scholarship, he honed his music skills playing in the Sul Ross band, earning a B.A. in music in 1958. He began teaching as a band director with Imperial Independent School System, Imperial, TX. After one year of teaching Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army. Basic training and advanced music school was spent at Fort Ord, California. After completion at Fort Ord, Bill was stationed in Brooklyn, N.Y. at the Brooklyn Army Terminal where he spent his remaining service time with the Army band playing for the arriving and departing troop ships and various parades. Bill also had the opportunity to play with both the Brooklyn Symphony and the Long Island Symphony. Upon discharge from the Army, Bill returned to teaching public school band in Hallettsville, TX. While in Hallettsville, Bill felt God was calling him to special service with Buckner Children’s Home in Dallas. His journey with Buckner Baptist Benevolene began in 1963 leading him to their San Antonio campus. While in San Antonio Bill completed a Master’s Degree in clinical social work, he then moved to Lubbock, TX. to work at the children’s campus there. He left Buckner to Direct Family Services of Lubbock, then moving back to San Angelo, Bill opened a private practice for counseling and continued until December, 2000. After retirement music became a larger part of his life. Bill played with First Baptist Ensemble Community Band, Ice House Brass, and Armadilla Jazz Band. Bill was a Christian of strong faith, always forgiving and willing to help others. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Family was very important to him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clay Sr. and Sarah Jeter. Bill is survived by Maggie, wife of 60 years; 2 sons, Nathan of San Angelo, TX and Philip and wife Mary of Alvarado, TX; grandchildren, Chris Kershner and wife Tara of Brownwood, TX, Karen Kershner of Crowly, TX, Lauren Hanson and husband Jacob or Ft Worth; great grandchildren, Conner Kershner and Iliana Hanson; brother, Clay and wife Shirley Jeter of San Angelo; brothers-in-law, Gene Elliott and wife Kay of San Antonio, TX and Cliff Ussery and wife Helen of College Station; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Thanks to our fellow band members from high school and college who have remained lifelong friends. Also to all our church family and friends who supported our family during this time with prayer. Special thanks to Bill Gillum’s friendship and spiritual support. Also to Bill’s “Trumpet Buddy” Keith Little and his “Coffee Buddy” Russel Jacoby, and to all of the staff at “The Springs” for their loving care. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2016 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at First Baptist Church. Our family suggests a gift to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com