William S. "Bill" French, 81, of New Madrid passed away December 21st, 2016 at the New Madrid Living Center.

He was born November 16th, 1935 in Charleston, MO., to the late Willis French and Viola Stallings French. He was in the National Guard, he was a 33rd degree Mason, Elder of the 1st Presbyterian Church in New Madrid, Member and Past President of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, New Madrid Man of the Year in 2006, member of the Kiwanis club, a member of the VFW, member of the New Madrid Country Club, member and past Commander of the American Legion Post 595, and also a board member of the New Madrid Historical Museum.  He was also the owner/operator of Bills Auto Parts.

On June 7th, 1959 in New Madrid at the 1st Presbyterian Church, he married Velma Jean Cokenour French, who survives of New Madrid.

In Addition to his wife, he is survived by; 1 brother, Gene (Lucille) French of Germantown, TN., 2 sisters-in-law, Donna DeLaney Cokenour of New Madrid, Earline (Jim) Lawrence of Campbell, MO., Nieces, Melanie (Sam) Duncan of New Madrid, MO, Deidre DeLaney of Lilbourn, MO, Karen (Stephen) Eftink of Portageville, MO,. Nephew Kevin (Nikki) Lawrence of Gideon, MO, and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be: Glen Medlin, Bobby Simpson, Dewayne Nowlin, Baz King, Reagan Baird, Lawrence Galemore.