William John Pinter

William John Pinter, age 92, of West, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008 in Dallas. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at West Brethren Church with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at West Brethren Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at West Brethren Church. Mr. Pinter was born on August 7, 1915 near Abbott, the son of Albert and Stella (Hubik) Pinter. During his early childhood, his family moved to the Texas panhandle in Crosby County and during their first winter they lived in a dugout. At age five he started school in Crosby County. His family then moved to the Brooken community near Abbott where he attended the Brooken School. When it was completely destroyed by a tornado, he attended Abbott school, where he loved sports and played football, baseball, and basketball. Bill graduated from Abbott High School in 1933 during the great depression and was the last surviving member of his class. On November 17, 1936, he was united in marriage to Lillian Rypel of Penelope, in West. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2008. Bill worked in the commercial construction business, where he worked as a millwright and carpenter. He was a foreman for many jobs before retiring in 1977. He enjoyed gardening and watching plants grow, and especially loved spending time with his family. He was a good provider, faithful husband, and hard worker. His loving and caring personality will be missed by all who knew him. Bill was a faithful member of West Brethren Church for over sixty-five years, where he served as treasurer and secretary for Sunday School for many years. When the new church was built, he also served on the building committee and advisory board. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Alfons Pinter and Valerian Pat Pinter. Survivors include two daughters, Betty Jean Pope and husband Wesley of Benton, Arkansas and Joyce Mekhjian and husband Tony of Dallas; one sister, Evelyn Matula of West; four grandchildren, Jennifer Beatty and husband Rik, William Mekhjian, Stephanie Mekhjian and Christopher Mekhjian; one great-granddaughter, Christen Beatty; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers are Christopher Mekhjian, William Mekhjian, Roy Janek, Ron Janek, Lloyd Janek and Larry Matula. Memorials may be made to West Brethren Church.