John William Gladney

Bill Gladney age 99 of Escalon, Ca passed on April 15, 2021 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Bill was born July 13, 1921 in Boz, Texas to Hewstraight and Ella Gladney. After graduating from high school in Kingsville, Texas, he attended two years of Junior College majoring in Engineering. When the war broke out he joined the Navy in 1942. He was an Aviation Metalsmith. While enroute to the South Pacific, he was the lightweight boxing champion for his ship. He left the Navy in 1946 at the rank of Petty Officer First Class. In 1946 he travelled to Point Barrow, Alaska and worked on the oil fields of the Naval Oil Reserve as a welder. In 1951, He married Beverley DeMoss. They raised three children on their ranch in Escalon. Bill worked for 16 years for Hogan Mfg. and then finished his career with Laney William Mfg. When Bill was not working, he enjoyed the outdoors backpacking, hunting, camping and especially fishing. Bill taught his children about good work ethic, honesty and financial independence. One of his favorite sayings was “If you are going to do something, do it right and be proud of it”. Bill was a very generous man and knew no strangers. Bill and Beverley were baptized at the Ceres Christian Church where they have attended for the past 70 years.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Beverley Gladney; his children, Vernon (Teresa) Gladney of Oakdale, Wayne (Kathy) Gladney of Modesto, Shanna (Mark) Godman of Modesto; grandchildren, Sarah Rinehart of Oakdale, Tyrel Gladney of Lodi, Cory Welch of Modesto and great-grandson, Thomas Vernon Rinehart. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Hewstraight and Ella Gladney; his siblings, Margaret McGuire, Montel Duncan, Sue Smith and Winston Gladney.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Funeral Chapel. A Visitation will be held April 22, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin Street, Escalon, Ca 95320. A Graveside service will follow the next day, April 23, 2021 at Burwood Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., followed by Full Military Honors presented by the American Legion.