Flyover, skydivers part of funeral for Middletown World War II hero

The life of a World War II veteran was celebrated this afternoon during his funeral service that concluded with a 21-gun salute, playing of “Taps,” a three-plane flyover and Team Fastrax skydivers landing in a nearby field carrying large American flags.

William "Bill" Wilch, of Middletown, who fought during the Normandy Invasion, died Monday at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties. He was 92.

Wilch was cremated and a small portion of his remains will be released in freefall on July 22, 2017, just prior to the PFC Bill Wilch Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Warrior Weekend over Smith Park/Hook Field. A small portion will also be released over Normandy, France, on the anniversary of D-Day and the remainder will be interred with his wife, his family said.

Berachah Church Pastor Lamar Ferrell noted that since Wilch’s initials were W.W. “he was destined for patriotism.”

When talking about Wilch’s military career and how he received a Purple Heart, Ferrell said: “Freedom doesn’t happen without fight.”

Wilch, who was 5-foot-8, was nicknamed “Pee Wee” by his fellow soldiers. While Wilch was short, he was “big in heart,” Ferrell said.

Megan Philpott said her grandfather, who loved people, would have enjoyed seeing all those who paid their respects. She noted that as a young girl she remembered her grandfather for being “hardened,” but as he aged, he “let go of some anger, fear.”

Whenever the family gathered, Wilch conducted “roll call,” making sure all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present, Philpott said.

“His personality was electric,” she said.

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