William C. Walling

On December 1, 2016, “Bill” Walling, 88, passed away and joined his wife Billie Jean (McCoy). He was born October 30, 1928 in Marshalltown, Iowa to parents George Washington Walling and Carrie A. (Bandfield). In 1945, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corp to serve in WWII. He served on the island of Samar in the Philippines. Bill was called back to action in 1951 to fight in Korea. Staff Sergeant Walling was wounded in a fierce battle on hill #812 and was honored with both the Silver Star for bravery and the Purple Heart. After he returned from Korea, he and Billie Jean were married on November 13, 1951.

The Walling’s settled down to raise three children on the east side of Des Moines. Bill was a foreman at Armstrong Tire & Rubber Company, missing only one day of work in 42 years. After retirement, he worked during the legislative sessions at the capital as the postmaster for the Iowa House of Representatives. He began working with Billie and then continued after her passing. Bill was a member of the Elks Lodge #98, the Isaac Walton League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and the Korean Veterans Associations.

Together, he and Billie enjoyed family and friends. Time was spent playing cards or traveling across the U.S. and the world. Bill and Billie took their family on awesome adventures, crossing 4 continents and experiencing the magnificent sites they offered. He had a great love of sports that he passed on to his children. Bill cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers, the Iowa State Cyclones, the East High Scarlet’s, and swimmers.

Bill was a longtime member of Grant Park Christian Church prior to its closing in 2011. He then became a member of Bondurant Christian Church.

Bill is survived by his children: William Robert (Beth), Shari, John (Beth); grandchildren, William Andrew (Sarah), Carrie Marie Nimrod (Jake), Hannah Ellyse, Liam Rory, MaryKate McCoy, 4 great grandchildren, his half-sister Francis James Long, and many other dear family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Billie Jean (McCoy), parents, step-father Benjamin Franklin James, adopted brother George D. Walling, and half-sister Mary Ellen James.
Friends may call on Monday, December 5th from 5:00-7:00pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. The funeral service will be conducted at Bondurant Christian Church, 305 Grant Street South, Bondurant, Iowa on Tuesday, December 6th, at 10:00am.

Memorial contributions will be used to create a scholarship in honor of Bill and Billie Walling at East High School.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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