Brackett

William F. Brackett, 82, of Butler passed away Saturday in the Good Samaritan Hospice at Concordia.

Born Aug. 14, 1926, in Columbiaville, N.Y., he was the son of the late Benjamin Harrison Brackett and Anna R. Brandt Brackett.

Mr. Brackett was a talented machinist. He also was an instrument rated pilot who enjoyed building and flying his airplane during a 15-year period. With his wife's assistance, he also built two homes for his family.

Mr. Brackett married Frances Jean Worsley of Butler on Feb. 14, 1947. Together they founded and owned the Brackett Machine Co. of Mount Chestnut. It served the specialty steel industry in the United States and abroad for 40 years. Brackett Machine Co. also developed numerous products for medical and other industries.

Mr. Brackett proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines during World War II with H Co., 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Division, where he fought on the islands of Saipan and Tinian, battled kamikaze pilots off the shore of Okinawa and joined the forces occupying Nagasaki, Japan, at the war's end.

For many years he took pleasure in corresponding with his fellow Marines, and with his wife, Jean, he enjoyed numerous Marine reunions.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Worsley Brackett; two sons, Timothy A. Brackett and his wife, Karen, and James M. Brackett and his wife, Angie, of Butler; two daughters, Ronna M. Drennen and her husband, Dr. James K. Drennen III, of Mars and Jean Lasichak and her husband, Ronald "Duke" Lasichak, of Jackson, Ga.; nine grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Pearl Vanbenschoten of Stockport, N.Y.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

<B>BRACKETT </B>— Family and friends of William F. Brackett, who died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at <B>THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 124 E. North St. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Roger G. Keller of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saxonburg officiating. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.Officers and members of the VFW Post 249 and the American Legion Post 778 of Lyndora will conduct military honors at Butler County Memorial Park.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.