Obituaries

William Joseph Bergen Sr.

William Joseph Bergen Sr., 75, of Siloam Springs, Ark., died Jan. 3, 2014, at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital. Born Aug. 4, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was the son of Leland Edgar Bergen and Sarah Phyllis Rose Bergen. He was a graduate of Harrison High School, Arkansas Tech University, and the University of Arkansas. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service. From Dec. 11, 1978, to Dec. 6, 1981, he was the commander of 362nd PSYOP Company. Bill received a master's degree in music education and a specialist degree in education administration. He was the band director at Siloam Springs High School and was the elementary and high school principal for a number of years. He married Rebecca Hunt on Dec. 27, 1959, in Dardanelle, Ark. They were both members of the First Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs, where he was a deacon, an elder, and the choir director. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rebecca; one daughter, Sarah Leigh Bergen Dove and husband, Dewayne, of Russellville, Ark.; one son, William Joseph Bergen Jr., and wife, Julie Ann, of Fort Smith, Ark.; and one grandson, Keith Dewayne Dove of Russellville, Ark. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church, Siloam Springs, with the Rev. Breck Castleman and Tom West officiating. Burial will be 3:30 p.m. at Brearly Cemetery, Dardanelle, Ark. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 606, Siloam Springs, AR 72761; or the Siloam Springs High School Scholarship Fund, 700 N. Progress Ave., Siloam Springs, AR 72761. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.

Published January 5, 2014

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