William H. Backenstose

William H. Backenstose, 75, of West Grove, formerly of E. Fallowfield and Parkesburg, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 7, 2011. He was the husband of Ethel Wise Backenstose with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Parkesburg, he was the son of the late William and Alene Matthews Backenstose.

Bill was an area resident all his life. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1960. He was employed by Philadelphia Electric retiring in 1993 as an estimator/designer. After his retirement he was employed at the Chester County Airport.

He was a member of the Brandywine-Goddard Masonic Lodge #383 F.&A.M, the Shriners; the NRA, the VP-44 Squadron; the AOPA and the West Caln Sportsmen's Club.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by his son, Timothy Backenstose, husband of Holly, of Downingtown, daughter, Tammy Deranleau, wife of Greg, of Colorado; three grandchildren, Amanda Backenstose of Gaithersburg, Md., Hunter Backenstose of Downingtown, Camille Deranleau of Colorado and sister, Denise LaMar of Bowling Green, KY; cousin Lois Gamble of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother David Backenstose.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 11 AM at the Oxford United Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Neighborhood Hospice of Chester County, 795 E. Marshall St. West Chester, PA 19386, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com