Mr. William J. Minks, of New Port Richey, FL formerly of Reading and Wilmington, passed away peacefully, May 26, 2016 in Florida following a short and unexpected period of declining health. He was 86 years of age. William was the beloved husband of the late Beatrice A. (McLaughlin). Born in Pettigrew, Arkansas he was the only child of the late Andrew W. and Frona (Patrick) Minks.
Mr. Minks was raised in Pettigrew, AR and enlisted into the United States Navy and honorably served for seven years during the Korean War. Following his return to civilian life he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston where he studied engineering. He worked for many years prior to his retirement as a sales engineer in the electronics and defense systems industry. In his leisure time he enjoyed traveling and also wrote his own autobiography which was published in the Library of Congress Veterans History. He also loved animals and especially his cat Lilly.
William is survived by his children; Brenda Keating and her husband Paul of New Port Richey, FL, and Gary Minks and his wife Joanne of Hampton, NH. He was the loving grandfather of Andria Keating and Heather Keating both of Clearwater, FL. Loving companion of the late Shirley Boutin.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 374 Main St., WILMINGTON, Thursday, June 2nd, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in William's memory to the ASPCA at www.aspca.org.