William Monica, Jr

MONICA, William, Jr.
Of Richland
William Monica Jr. passed away on December 25, 2010. He was born on September 23, 1922 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His parents were so proud; his father William Monica Sr. and his mother Vesta Kenyon. As William better known as Bill, grew up and knew he was destined for greater things in life. After Bill graduated from Delton High School, he decided to join the United States Air Force. While serving, he was a Bomber Pilot and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served honorably in 2 wars; World War II and the Korean Conflict. When he decided to retire after 20 years active duty and 20 years reserves, he came back home to Michigan. He was in the Civil Air Patrol for 8 years. The Civil Air Patrol was strictly volunteer and they assisted in search and rescue, disaster relief, and aerospace education. He was also a member of the Air Force Association and was the President of the Kalamazoo Chapter. During this time Bill was associated with Lou Don Farms Hunt Club, where he enjoyed riding Cracker Jack, his beloved horse and spending time with his friends. Another thing Bill enjoyed doing was volunteering at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo as a speaker and educator. He had a wonderful marriage to the love of his life whom he married on December 11, 1943 Maxine A. Chase Monica who preceded him in death on July 28, 2006. In his marriage to her they had one child, a son Emerson "Skip" Monica who also preceded him on February, 15, 2006. Later in their marriage, they adopted their grand daughter Tammy Monica who also preceded him at age 3. Family members surviving are his grandchildren Tonya and Bill Baldwin, Shane and his wife Susie, Wade Monica, and Helen and David Sipes; 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great- grandchildren. On December 25, 2010 he was discovered not breathing and 911 was called right away but, with all they could do God had already called him home to be with everyone he loved. He will be buried at a later date at Prairieville Cemetery with the rest of his family. Bill was a very loved, cherished, and a memorable man. At 88 he was smart, witty, comical, and quick on his feet. He was dependable and always had a smile on his face, with a story to blow you off your feet or a joke to make you laugh so hard you would fall on the ground laughing. May he always fly free and may a piece of him or a memory always remain in your heart. A gathering for friends to celebrate Bill's life will be announced in the spring along with burial of his cremated remains in Prairieville Cemetery. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 269 343-1508
Written by: The little girl down the hill, better known as Amber Booth.