William Charles Bluhm

William Charles Bluhm, 91, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas. He was born on April 27, 1921, in Holden, Mo., the son of Homer Lee and Katharine Bluhm. Bill served as a meteorologist in the Army during WWII, graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri, and immediately after graduating began his career with Shell Oil where he worked until his retirement. His extensive career with Shell began in Wood River, Ill., and included New York City and ended in Houston, Texas. He was married to Eunice Belle Thompson, with whom he had three children. His second marriage in January of 1979 was to Joan G. Ross. After retirement they moved to Bella Vista, Ark., in 1985. He was a good man, husband and father. He cared deeply for his family and was always there when we needed him. He loved to travel but also enjoyed the comfort of his home in Bella Vista where he and Joan could sit and watch the squirrels eat and play on their deck. He had a very sharp mind and was always interested in learning. He was passionate about his beliefs and you always knew where he stood. He was preceded in death by his parents; and very recently his wife, Joan. He is survived by his sisters, Evelyn Basinger of California, Mo., and Eleanor Tuepker of Holden, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Helen Bluhm of Pacific Grove, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Marina Bluhm of Huntsville, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Robert Betts of Austin, Texas; stepdaughter, Valerie Ross of Houston, Texas; stepson, Stephen Ross of Pasadena, Texas; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. No memorial service has been scheduled at this time. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association (in honor of his late wife, Joan) or to the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. Online condolences may be made at www.beckchapels.com.