William Joseph Arata

William Joseph Arata went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2005, born on July 7, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Michael & Lillian Arata. Known to his oldest friends as Willie, he served with honor as a corpseman in the Navy in the South Pacific in World War II as well as Korea. After returning home to New Orleans after his service, William met the love of his life, the former Elaine Koepp. It was love at first sight and they married on June 7, 1953, he promptly placed her on a pedistal and never looked back. William and Elaine have four children to complete their lives. They moved to Grand Prairie, Texas in April 1954, when Bill went to work at L. T. V. as an engineer and later worked for Bell Helicopter where he specialized in the tail rotor and air frame assembilies. His job with Bell took him all around the world including places he served during the war. A proud grandfather, he retired to the country life in East Texas in 1992, leaving the job he loved where he was known as a "mighty big man in a small frame." He lived the life of a country squire until his death. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael; mother, Lillian; and brother, Ervin Arata. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine K. Arata; his son, Michael and his wife Melody of Mineola; son, Ben and his wife Kelley of Grand Prairie; and his darling daughters, Phyllis Kelsey and her husband Lacy of Grand Prairie and Allison Kelley and her husband Jerry of Willow Park, Texas as well as 6 grandchildren, Matthew Kelsey, Andrew Kelsey, William "Billy" Arata, Benjamin Arata, Augusta Arata and James Rhys Arata; his sister, Gloria Rayburn and her husband John of York, Pennsylvania, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 7, 2005 in the First United Methodist Church in Mineola with Rev. Jerome Brimmage officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors in Lindale. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 612 N. Newsom, Mineola, Texas 75773 or to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

William Joseph Arata

July 7, 2005 - July 4, 2005