WILLIAM JAMES "BILL" UTTERBACK, 90, of Winfield, passed away at Cumbernauld Village, February 2, 2011.

Bill was born August 5, 1920 to Ellis E. and Lillian "Lilly" (Griffin) Utterback at Fair Play, Missouri. He attended schools at Fair Play and then entered the United States Navy in 1939. At one time, Bill was one of the Navy's youngest Chief Petty Officers. He was CPO in a Navy PBY unit during the second World War, including the South Pacific Islands Campaign, taking part in several of the notorious battles. He was awarded two air medals and a letter of commendation from Admiral Nimita.

After the war, Bill went into the radio repair business in Bolivar, Missouri. On August 17, 1946, he married Dorothy L. Kadau. He later went to work for Philco Corporation as a Company Technical Representative. This led to him being assigned to the European Theater during the Cold War to work on radar and communications systems for the military. Later, he was reassigned to the U.S. and worked on various projects for the military, including the Evolving Missile Systems in which the company, later known as Philco-Ford, and then Ford Aerospace and Communications, was involved.

After living in several states on different job assignments, he and wife, Dorothy, settled in Cupertino, California, along with son, Bradley. He retired after 39 years with the company. In 1998, they moved to Winfield to be near friends and family in their retirement years. Bill's wife, Dorothy passed away March 17, 2010.

He was an avid stamp collector and always took great pride in his lawn and garden.

Bill is survived by:
His son: Bradley Utterback of Winfield;
His sister: Beatrice Price of Bolivar, Missouri;
His brothers: Norman Utterback of Springfield, Missouri; and Eldon Utterback of Caballo, New Mexico;
His brother-in-law: Robert D. "Bob" Kadau and wife, Patty of Winfield; and
Several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Leon.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

A Memorial has been established in Bill's name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.