William Depue

William DePue "Bill" or "Grumpy" to Julia and Josh. Age 58 of Pine City, NY Passed away at Corning Hospital, Corning, NY Saturday, July 18th, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was the son of the late John and Barbara Frisbee DePue. He was born in Elmira, November 15th, 1950. Surviving him is his loving wife and dearest friend Liz; Daughters: Kristin (Gary) Horn of Elmira,Sarah DePue (Mike Adario) of Elmira; Grandchildren: Julia and Josh; Brother and best friend: Richard "Dick" (Debbie-Susi) DePue of Elmira Heights, NY, and Brother: John (Sue) DePue of Pine City, Sister: Donna Davenport of Clearwater, FL. Several nieces and nephews including Michael (Nikki) DePue, and their children Lexie and Austin, Tim (Kaylee) DePue and their son Joshua; Brother in law: Jim Davenport; the mother of Bills children: Carla (Mike) Booker with Carlas mother Adeline Church of Elmira; Several nieces and nephews. In addition to, Bill is dearly missed by his loving mother and father in law: Lois and Bill Johnson; Sisters and brothers in law: Doug and Kathy Packard, Adrienne Harnas, Jennifer and Ed Strong, Harry Taylor, Tara (Jim) Ameigh, Jackie (Elliot) Taylor. Loving friends Vicki and Vinnie Freeman of Elizabeth City, NC. Although the Vietnam War changed his life, Bill was proud to be a ARMY veteran of the Vietnam War. Bill also was very proud to serve on the Chemung County Honor Guard.He worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years. Those whom knew Bill the best can see the man he was in the lyrics of the song "Pilgrim". Written and sung by Kris Kristofferson; Wearin' yesterday's misfortunes like a smile-Ounce he had a future full of money, love, and dreams, Which he spent like they was goin' outa style-And he keeps right on a 'changin' for the better or the worse, Searchin' for a shrine he's never found-Never knowin' if believin' is a blessin' or a curse, Or if the goin' up was worth the comin' down-He's a poet, he's a picker-He's a prophet, he's a pusher-He's a pilgrim and a preacher, and problem when he's stoned-He's a walkin' contradiction, partly fiction, Takin' every wrong direction on his lonely way back home. He has tasted good and evil in your bedrooms and your bars, and he's traded in tomorrow for today-Runnin' from his devils, Lord, and reachin for the stars, And losin'all he's loved along the way-But if this world keeps right on a turnin for the better of the worse, And all he ever gets is older and around-From the rockin' of the cradle to the rollin' of the hearse, the goin' up was worth the comin' down. Bill will be truly missed by all whom understood his love, life and where blessed by the love he held in his soul. Graveside services will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 1:00PM with full military honors accorded, paying tribute to Bill's personal sacrifice to our freedom and country. All family, friends and most of all veterans are welcome. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bill will be later in the week and will be announced.