William M. ‘Bill’ Vanya

Bill Vanya entered the gates of Heaven on Jan. 4, 2019.

Visitation was held at Miguez Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, from 2-6 p.m. and continued on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Jennings from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m.

Burial followed at 3 p.m. in Alexandria Memorial Gardens.

“PaBill”, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many others, was born in what is known as the “Vanya Woods” between Moss Hill and Batson, Texas. He was the fourth of five children born to John and Macy Vanya.

Bill served in the Coast Guard during WW2, spending his time in the Pacific realm where from his ship he watched the signing of the Peace Treaty.

While stationed in California, he met and married June Massengale, the mother of his six children. They eventually settled in Jennings in 1958 and Bill worked in the oil and gas industry before retiring from Conoco in 1985.

June passed away in 1985 and Bill later met and married Joyce Allen.

Bill was a devoted follower of Christ and served as a Deacon of First Baptist Church in Jennings. He had many passions in his life – his family, creating memorable wood art, gardening and beekeeping.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by: his wife, Joyce; his children Carolin (Perry) Milner, Larry Vanya, Tim (Debby) Vanya, Rebecca (Mark) Shirley, Patricia (Jake) Clifford and Thomas (Charmane) Vanya. He will also be missed by his 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

Those carrying him to his final resting place will be his grandsons.

The family is deeply grateful to Terry, Joan and the other staff at Louisiana Hospice and& Palliative Care; his sitters, Tammy and Earline; as well as the dedicated and caring staff at Jeff Davis Living Center.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.