William “Bill” Kane died Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2005 following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer ’s disease. He was born April 29, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the only child and was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Frances and Elizabeth Ivey Kane.
Bill was educated by the Jesuits form elementary school through college. He graduated from Brooklyn Prep and then received his doctorate in chemistry from Fordham University. He briefly attended Columbia University before transferring to Fordham.
Bill was a flight engineer of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 15th Air Force. He flew 250 combat hours over Europe. Bill joined the 15th Air Force in July 1943 and was honorable discharged in November 1945.
After receiving his PhD from Fordham, Bill worked for the Atomic Energy Commission at Columbia University and then accepted a position with E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company at the Spruance Plant in Richmond, Virginia. On July 16, 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Lucille Virginia Arnold at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They had one daughter, Ann-Marie. In 1977, Bill was transferred to Sabine River Works in Orange, Texas.
Upon transfer, the family moved to Beaumont and became active members of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Bill was an active Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Altar “Boy.” He attended the 6:30 a.m. daily mass and then participated in the daily recitation of the rosary. Bill also served as Eucharistic Minister for shut-ins and patients at Baptist Hospital, the Rehab Center, and various nursing homes. He was a faithful attendee of the Adoration Chapel. He was an active member of the Catholic Adult Group, serving as both president and treasurer. Bill was also an active member of the 49 Plus Group at St. Anne’s. He was the first president of the Beaumont Associate Program of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The Sisters called Bill “Their Little Irishman.” While his daughter Ann-Marie, was attending St. Anne’s, Bill helped with the formation of the Junior C.Y.O. Bill always actively supported Ann-Marie’s activities at St. Anne’s Catholic School, Msgr. Kelly High School, and Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bill attended the first St. Anne’s Men’s ACTS Retreat held April 4-7, 2002.
Since Bill was the son of a high school coach, he developed a true love of all sports. He especially loved the game of golf. He truly looked forward to the annual Kane Family Golfing Vacation on the Gulf Coast. After retiring form DuPont Sabine River Works with thirty-eight years of service, Bill enjoyed his Saturday mornings playing golf with his friends.
He is survived by Lucille, his loving and devoted wife of forty-five years; and his daughter, Ann-Marie Arnold Kane of Houston, Texas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2005 at St. Anne Catholic Church followed by burial at Haven of Rest Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N Major Drive, Beaumont. Honorary pallbearers will be the m en of the Catholic Adult Group. A Christian Vigil will be 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening, November 27, 2005 at the mortuary.
Lucille and Ann-Marie wish to thank Mr. Leon Thompson, Evelyn Walker, and Vie Gilford for their devoted service to Bill the past year and a half. Also, a special thanks to Drs. Bertron Brown and Daniel Harmon for their medical support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
