William R. Ingram

William R. Ingram

William R. Ingram passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2012 in Ronan, Mont. He was 92 years old. William was  born on a small farm seven miles west of Wynnewood, Okla., on July 24, 1919.

He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he enrolled in geological engineering and field artillery ROTC. He then went on to Air Force Flight School in Tulsa, Okla. He was commissioned a second lieutenant shortly after the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor. He served in North Africa, two tours in Europe and in Korea. William served with several bomb groups during his military career.

He received 25 decorations, of which 10 were for valor. He was also involved with operational, staff, command and educational assignment. He obtained a degree in military science from the University of Maryland, a degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and completed Command and Staff College at the Air University where he taught for three years. He was Commander of the 716th Radar Squadron in Lakeside in the early 1960’s. He retired a full colonel from the United States Air Force in November 1964.

After retiring, William attended the University of Montana where he received a masters degree in economics. He also completed course requirements for a Ph.D. in sociology.

William moved to Polson in 1972. He was one of the founders of a commercial bank in Polson. He was in the real estate business for 40 years as the owner/broker of Tradewinds Realty. His favorite pastime was golf, and he played the game very well.

William had four children from his first marriage, and one child and two stepchildren from his second marriage.

William was preceded in death by his son Randolph Ingram. William is survived by his daughters, Sherrie (Fred) McFarland of Polson, Theresa (Bruce) Wicker of Yukon, Ore.; son, Dwane (Joann) Ingram of Polson; daughter-in-law, Brooke Ingram of Polson; stepsons, Tommy Baker of Missoula, and Joseph (Patsy) Baker of Butte; sisters, Rosalie Richie of Monument, Colo., Peggy Jacobson of Greenfield, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Edward McFarland, Patricia Ellis, Jennifer Goff, Roben Richardson, Chris Rodgers, Ty Hunter, Ashley Ingram, Seth and Evan Ingram. William also had 11 great-grandchildren.

William’s funeral service was held Monday, July 2 at the Veteran’s Memorial section of Lake View Cemetery in Polson. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.