William R. Estes

William "Bill" Robert Estes, 85, of Owensboro, KY passed away on August 27, 2017 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital after a brief illness. William was born December 3, 1931 in Owensboro to the late Penn Taylor Estes and Martha Louise (Mattingly) Estes. As a young man, he farmed with his father and brother, Mallory "Judy" Estes for a few years before enlisting in the US Navy and serving on the USS Erben during the Korean War. After the Navy he returned to Owensboro, married Shirley Ann Cooper, and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he went to work for Indianapolis Power and Light. He eventually became the head machinist at the H. T. Prichard Plant and a union (IBEW) negotiator. Hard work and foresight allowed William and Shirley to retire early. They returned to Owensboro to live on the banks of William's beloved Ohio River. He enjoyed gardening, NASCAR, and his family. He was fascinated by local and regional history, especially the settlement of the Ohio River Basin and the adventures of Harlan Hubbard.

William is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; his only child, Byron Estes and wife, Kristyn of Munster, Indiana; two grandchildren Lorien Goodwin (Adam) and Nicholas Estes; his sisters Betty Mount and Donna Epley and many nieces and nephews.

The family kindly requests that flowers not be sent, but memories and expressions of condolence may be left at www.glenncares.com.