Contributions to the tribute of William Francis Naughton

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Chris & Rhonda Brosnahan & family purchased flowers

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Dear Aunt Betty, So sorry to hear of Uncle Bill's passing. Please accept our condolences and know that you and the family are in our prayers.

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Keith and Lynda Temple purchased flowers

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

With heartfelt condolences,

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Kay Watkins lit a candle

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I went to school with Beth and Matt. Me and Beth were in blue birds together. Meetings at their house and it was nice. I think Mrs naughton worked at Sanger Harris and may have sold me my first bra.

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Laurence Naughton-Furr posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Bill Naughton was sitting in his recliner when I met him. He seemed to always have a gin and tonic in his hand. I was a little intimidated because I was dating his son, Matthew, and I did not know how he would react. He smiled and shook my hand. Although he did not attend our wedding, he called during our reception and told Matthew that he loved him and hoped we would be happy. Through the next several years I shared many a cocktail with Bill and listened to his jokes and stories. I remember early on that he and I were having a drink together and everyone else was either in the living room or kitchen--not paying us any mind. He told me how Betty had single-handedly set the nun’s convent on fire back in Kansas City and burned it to the ground. He had vivid descriptions and I was his captive audience. My mouth flew open as I was eating up every word. He had me “hook, line, and sinker.” I soon found out that this was a completely fabricated story from a small incident. Betty, Matthew, and sisters told me, “Laurence, don’t believe a word he says. He loves his tall tales.” The first time I heard him call out, “Gipper!” I was surprised. I quickly learned that this had been his nickname for Betty for many years. I will never forget that every time I saw him, he would reach up from his recliner, take my hand, and asked how my mother was doing. He would listen to every word as I gave him the report on how her Parkinson’s was progressing. The first time I saw him after she died, he once again took my hand and told me how sorry he was. Bill, you don’t know how much that meant to me. Thank you, Bill, for taking me into the Naughton family and accepting me as your son-in-law. I can tell you that I will love Matthew until my last breath. When Matthew and I went to Ireland, we specifically drove through Roscommon County, Ireland and toasted you and your ancestors. I will leave you with these words from an old Irish song: Here’s to You 1 When first we met, complete awkward strangers We did not know if we could be friends How soon we’ve come for to know each other And now I know we will meet again Chorus So here’s to you, and our time together I will share with you a parting glass And I’ll bid adieu with some smiles and laughter Our time apart will be short and pass 2 A long, long road, well it lies before me And fate will lead me where it will And through the valleys and over mountains I will not forget, but remember you still So long, Bill, until we meet again.

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Daniel Naughton posted a condolence

Monday, February 17, 2020

I have known Bill Naughton for 61 years. He always was a good person with a sense of humor. He taught me how to fish and fix leaky faucets. He instilled a good work ethic and was always a good roll model. He will be missed. Daniel Naughton

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Tom Rogers posted a symbolic gesture

Monday, February 17, 2020

Bill (and Betty) welcomed me into the family some 11-12 years ago. The Naughton clan and extended family from all over are the warmest people I have ever known. I’m honored to be a family member and will always remember the times with Bill shared with laughs, cold beer (only the good kind), and the pleasure watching him smoke a fine cigar. Then there were the family Bill stories! Who can forget the holiday rib roast that was thawing and Bill tossed in the trash (oops). No doubt his (and Betty’s) legacy will live on for many many years to come. We love and will miss you Bill!

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Julianne Feaster purchased flowers

Monday, February 17, 2020

Deepest condolences from Julie and Bill Feaster

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The family of William Francis Naughton uploaded a photo

Monday, February 17, 2020

William Francis Naughton

1929 - 2020

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