William Bryant Hockensmith, 90, Springfield, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 in the Gardens Assisted Living. William (Bill) was born May 2nd, 1920 in Louisville, Kentucky to E.M. and Ellis Hockensmith. He grew up in Frankfort, Kentucky and served in World War II from October 1941 to 1945 as Master Sergeant. Bill was a true American who loved his country and was proud to serve in the United States Army. After the war, he attended Bowling Green Kentucky College of Business and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Bill was united in marriage to Reba Estelle Westbrook for 54 years during which they were blessed with 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. After graduation, Bill worked for the Kentucky State Treasury Department and then for Dupont as an accountant. He later moved to Springfield, Missouri to serve as the head accountant for Dayco. Finally, he was employed by Empire Bank for eighteen years, retiring as Senior Vice President in 1985. Since 1959, Bill was a faithful member of University Heights Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as not only a Deacon but also the church treasurer. In addition, he was a charter member and former President of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield South for 37 years, earning both the Legion of Honor and the George E. Hixson Fellow Award. Bill loved community service and was actively involved in the United Way. Bill was blessed with many gifts and talents: Playing the piano, painting, and woodworking. He loved to garden as well as to travel. He and Reba were active in round dancing and traveled with the Holiday Ramblers Club. Bill was a wonderful man, husband, and father. His love, encouragement, and Godly example will be sorely missed. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Alice Hockensmith; and his wife, Reba. He is survived by his son, Phillip Hockensmith and his wife, Jan of Springfield; a daughter, Karen Shipman and her husband, Lyle of Rogersville; a son, Larry Hockensmith of Springfield; and a daughter, Becky Stepp and her husband, Cliff of Nixa. Bill is also survived by Vicki Hockensmith of Springfield; a sister, Mildred Smith of Illinois; and a brother, Leroy Hockensmith of Kentucky; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and family. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 in University Heights Baptist Church with the Dr. Daniel Chisholm officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 31st, 2010 in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the University Heights Baptist Church Children's Ministry, 1010 S. National, Springfield, Missouri 65804.