WICHITA, KS
Awalt, Louis "Bill", 87, World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and retired design engineer from Boeing, passed from this life into his eternal reward midday on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Bill was the 4th of 7 children of Hester and John Awalt, born June 10th 1925 in Shawneetown, Illinois. He is preceded in death by Mary Virginia Awalt, his bride of 63 years. Bill is also survived by his brother Bob and his wife Vicki of Phoenix, Arizona; his sister Mary Lou Parker and her husband Charlie of Hannibal, MO; his brother Tom and his wife Graciella (Gras-ee-ELL-uh) of Palm Bay, Florida. Also surviving are his three children, son Don and wife Marcia Awalt of Wichita, daughter Carol and husband Larry Barnes of Chesterfield, MO and daughter Nancy and husband Dick Yarnell of Wichita. In addition, there are 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Bill graduated from Shawneetown Community High School in 1942. Later, he enlisted in the U. S. Army where he was trained as an X-ray technician. He served in the Pacific theater near the end of World War II and was stationed in Korea during the time of occupation following the war. Upon returning home, Bill moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, learning to be a design engineer. While living and studying in Tulsa, Bill encountered and fell in love with a vibrant young brunette named Mary Virginia Martin. He was so smitten by the young lady that he submitted to her demand to sell his motorcycle in order to date her. Before his schooling was finished, the two were married and started a family. Upon completion of his courses at Spartan Bill moved with his young wife and infant son to Wichita where Bill began working as an engineer for Boeing. Boeing saw fit to use Bill's services as a crew compartment designer in Philadelphia and Seattle as well as Wichita. Over the years he worked on a myriad of projects. Even after retirement the company called him back to duty. His first task was on the B-47, his final work, when he was called back, was on a 7-47, more commonly known as Air Force One. Perhaps one of his more significant accomplishments was the design of the cockpit control panel for the first B-52 bomber. While Bill truly enjoyed his work at Boeing, it certainly was not his only love. He was an avid fisherman and woodworker. Bill and the family made countless trips to visit family in Oklahoma where nearby fishing was available. They also made numerous trips to Bull Shoals in Missouri. One year, when the trip to Bull Shoals was prevented by medical reasons, the family put together their own "Bull Sholz Annex" in Bill and Mary's back yard. The back yard at Bill & Mary's house has always been a home to family activities; from birthday and anniversary celebrations to even a
couple weddings. Just before retiring from Boeing in 1986, Bill completed the construction of his fully equipped, free-standing workshop behind his garage. Upon retirement, Bill's Sawdust Factory was the scene of continuing activity; building his own projects and those requested by many family members. It was only a few years ago that age related safety concerns convinced him to cut back and then finally give up the hobby that he cared for so much. The only thing that topped Bill's love for his work, his fishing trips, his woodworking, and, yes, even his family, was his love for God and His son, Jesus Christ. In the mid 50's, when the Awalts moved to the west side of Wichita, the family joined a newly established congregation called Riverlawn Christian Church. The church was so new that they didn't have their own building yet. Bill joined others in the church in constructing the Riverlawn's first facility at 25th and Amidon. We're here today to bid farewell to and honor the memory of Bill Awalt but, it's hard think of Bill without thinking of his long-time companion, Mary. Together, they did the Lord's
work at Riverlawn for nearly 5 decades. Bill as an elder and Mary as a 2nd grade Sunday School teacher. The lives they touched and helped are almost impossible to count. While God's angels have, no doubt gathered to sing songs of joy at their arrival, Riverlawn will miss the service of two of its longest and strongest supporters and servants. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept, 20 at Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center. Services 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 21 at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, Ks 67204. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, Ks 67204. Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com