William Kramer

William Bill (Jerald) Kramer, age 91, a resident of Bartlesville died Saturday, June 23, 2007 at Heritage Villa Nursing Center. William Kramer was born June 10, 1916 in Ilion, New York to Harry Kramer and Della Van Antwerp Kramer. He married Virginia Hawkins May 23, 1957 in Winchester, Va. Bill received his pilot's license on September 28, 1937 and pursued an Aviation career over many years. During the course of his career Bill flew passengers at Washington National Airport on Charter and began instruction pilots in conjunction with the University of Maryland, receiving his commercial certificate on July 14, 1941. In 1942 Bill moved to Florida to assist in a contract with the Government to train pilots for the Army Air Corp. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. on June 21, 1942 in Washington D.C. and flew transport aircraft stateside and overseas (CBI Theatre "The Hump"). He continued his service until his honorable discharge in Washington D.C., December 31, 1945 achieving the rank of Captain. In October 1963, Billy Parker, Aviation Manager of Phillips 66, hired bill as a pilot. Bill and his wife moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and bill continued flying for the company and assumed Aviation Manager in 1978, and then retired in 1982 as Chief Pilot. Bill purchased and managed Intercontinental Imports, a Mercedes' dealership in Enid, Ok, until 1990. He then moved to Naples, Florida to be near his immediate family. Bill returned to Bartlesville in 2001, and lived at Tallgrass Estates and then moved to the assisted-care facility of Green Country. William (Bill) J. Kramer is survived by his brother Harry Kramer, Jr., a close friend Grace MacDonald, of Naples, Florida, Marguerite C. Kramer (sister-in-law) Nashville, Tennessee, two nieces and a nephew, along with many grand nieces and nephews. His parents Harry Kramer and Della Van Antwerp Kramer predeceased him, along with a brother Roger F. Kramer. Bill will be remembered by many of the life's he touched and also close friends that cherished him dearly. A memorial has been established with the Smithsonian Institute, National Air and Space Museum and those who wish to contribute may do so in lieu of flowers to Attention: Monecia Taylor, Mrc 321, PO Box 37012, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012. Private family services will be held at a latter date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Neekamp - Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Private Family Services