William Doyle Barham

Barham Sandia, Texas William Doyle Barham, age 88, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 30, 2013. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas February 1, 1925. He willingly answered the call to service his country in World War II, bravely risking his life and defied superior officers orders to rescue two comrades in arms. For this he received a Bronze Star and later was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. Shortly after his discharge from the Army, he married his wife, Elois Barham. Together they lived and raised their children hand and hand for many years in Corpus Christi, where Bill worked for Southwest Oil Refinery. Later they made their home and were long time residents of Sandia, Texas where Bill was an active member of the community, including having served as Fire Chief for the Sandia Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of River Hills Baptist Church. Bill was a man who loved and was loved dearly by his family. He is preceded in death by his son, William Doyle Barham, Jr. He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Hon. Elois Barham, one daughter Sonnie Barham, three grandchildren, Jennifer Schneider (Tim), Johanna Green, Decker Ayers IV, and three great grandchildren, Bear, Archer and Greenlee Elois Schneider. He was one of the Greatest of the Greatest Generation! Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 3 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the family present between 6-8 p.m at Dobie Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Dobie Funeral Home with Rev. Jody Simmons of River Hill Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Sandia Cemetery, with a reception to follow. If you so choose in lieu of flowers donations my be made to charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Dobie Funeral Home, 121 N. Duval St., Mathis, Texas 361/547-3224.