Obituary of William Ross Osterhoudt

William R. Osterhoudt, 79, of Rome, passed away October 21, 2012. He was born October 4, 1933, in Kingston, NY, a son of the late Ross K. and Margaret E. Hardenburgh Osterhoudt, and graduated from Kingston High School and Cornell University. Bill was united in marriage to the former Myrna J. Secor on June 26, 1954, in High Falls, NY; she died June 30, 2008. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and served several tours in Vietnam and Thailand as a "Tanker" pilot and later as a Forward Air Controller, and retired after 21 years of service. He received many awards, medals and commendations for his meritorious service to his Country. He later worked as a Department of Motor Vehicles "Brownie" for many years, and monitored many "road tests" in the Rome area. Bill was active in the community. He volunteered in many events at the Rome Community Theater along with his wife, Myrna, he was a member of the Baron Steuben Masonic Lodge 264 in Lee Center and a member of Zion Episcopal Church. He loved cars and was the proud owner of a 1937 Cord. He was an active member of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Association and served as President 1978-1979, and received the Blue Blazer Award in 1987 for dedicated service to the association. Bill is survived by a daughter and son in law, Holly and Paul Davis of Blossvale, two sons and a daughter in law, Scott Osterhoudt of Annsville, and Steven and Connie Osterhoudt of Westmoreland; a brother and sister in law, Charles H. and Singleton Osterhoudt of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, John, Carrie, Colleen, Robert, Marcus, Ryan, Lyndsay, Justin and Shawn; 10 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret (Peggy) Carro. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome, NY. Graveside services will be in North Marbletown Cemetery, Friday at 11:00 AM Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Thursday 3 to 6 PM, prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Rome. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com