William (Bill) Angel
William (Bill) Angel, beloved husband, father, and grandfather died Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at his home in Mansfield. He was 92 years old and formerly from Cameron.
Bill was born William Leonard Angel in 1929 in Canon City, Colo. Enjoying a youth in colorful Colorado he realized his calling to serve God in the Ministry. Bill also met his bride to be in Canon City. William L Angel and Velma J Angel were joined in marriage on Sept. 18, 1949. Bill and Velma, both achieved their calling by attending and graduating in 1955 from L.I.F.E. Bible College, Los Angeles, Calif. Bill served as pastor at churches in Colorado and Nebraska with his final service back in Los Angeles as properties manager for Foursquare International in an office directly across the street from L.I.F.E Bible college campus and Angeles Temple where he and Velma attended school.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Velma Jewel Angel. Velma is currently in a fight of her own with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill also survived by his three children, Jerry Angel (Vickie), Sandra Hanel (Arthur), Jim Angel (Natasha), who are all missing him today. In addition, Bill was grandfather to Michelle Hayes (Bradley), Janelle Hartsfield (Heath), Tiffany Angel, Jerrod Angel (Ashley), Zachary Angel, and Ethan Angel who have all had the opportunity to own his heavenly last name, Angel. Bill also has two great grandchildren, Ella and Elijah Hartsfield.
(On a personal note)
My dad was one of the best people I have ever known. When I have been asked why I did not finish Bible college I would simply state that I could never be the shepherd of the flock like my father was. He led by example, making the people around him better. He made them laugh and could play a mean game of pool or cards. He had time for anyone, everyone, and a good cup of coffee, but especially for his family. He went to see Mom 2-3 times a week even when she did not know who he was. He would always tell us, “She gave me a smile today, she knew I was there.”
I could write page after page of stories and memories as could my brother and sister, but I will always remember him being the leader of a family that has its own stories. A father that only wished the very best for his own. The mediator, the advisor, and best of all the humor he always had ready to use at the right time.
Bill had one brother, Leroy, and a very best friend by the name of “Oxford”, he was always called by his last name. These three men were some of the funniest, wittiest, and happiest men when they got together everyone would laugh till your side hurt. I feel privileged to have known and spent time with them, to see into a small part of my dad’s life that was fun and not always so polished like it was in the church.
My fondest memory was when we were able to fulfill a dream my dad always had, which was to build a cabin in Colorado. It was built by all the Angel men. Bill, Jerry, Jerrod, and even at that time little Zach and Ethan. Dad, Jerrod and Zach did the foundation work in May, and we had the rest of the crew for two weeks over July 4th to dry it in. There was another year of work, but in September of the following year, dad got to help me make it into a home with the final touches. We had many good summers with Dad up there and I would like to think he is two miles closer to the cabin in heaven today.
I share that story because Dad has always been the foundation of this family as it was built. Some might say with him gone it will crumble. I would say it is because of that foundation that we will all weather the storm and be stronger for it.
By the way, he loved Cameron and the people in it. Those that had the opportunity to know Bill already know that those that didn’t, well lets just say you missed out.
May Mom get to heaven soon, and I just hope I can live half as good as he did to earn a spot with them.
It’s not RIP, it’s LIH, Live in Heaven.
A celebration of Bill’s life is soon to be planned. Information will be forthcoming.
His remains will rest in a family plot in his hometown of Canon City, Colo.