(Apr. 9, 2010)
Bill Franklin Sellers, 78, died April 9, 2010, at his home in Powell.
He was born March 10, 1932, in Belton, Texas, the son of Lillie Mae (West) and Newell Franklin Sellers.
Bill attended school and graduated from high school in Lindsay, Calif. He married his classmate, Eleanor Maxine Morris, on June 21, 1952, in Lindsay.
Shortly after his marriage, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Germany during the Korean War.
After the war, Bill returned to Lindsay, where he worked as an agriculture foreman before entering the building trade. He eventually became a building contractor.
After a short stint in Oregon, he and Eleanor moved to Cora, Wyo. They tried traveling full time in their R.V., but later decided to put down roots.
They moved to Powell, and it turned out to be a good choice for them. Bill met many woodcarvers who helped him hone his natural talent in carving. In the process, his fellow carvers became good friends.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Powell; sons Eric Sellers (Karen) of Powell and Ethan Sellers (Elena) of California; daughters Eileen Starling (Rolf) of Nevada and Gwyn Batey (Raymond) of California; brother Jack Sellers (Linda); sister Katie McAllister (James); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother James Sellers; and a grandson, Timothy Cramer.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 West Evergreen, Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60642.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.