William Soules

William Fred Soules age 93, of Waco went to be with his Lord and Savior and loved ones Wednesday February 8, 2012. Graveside Services will be 3PM Friday February 10, 2012 at Lorena Cemetery with Rev. Ron Albertson officiating. Fred was a member of Lorena United Methodist Church. Military honors will be observed.

Fred was born on May 3, 1918 in Mills County to Luther Hugh and Blanch Soules and grew up in Goldthwaite Tx. He graduated from Goldthwaite High School in 1936 and then attended Tarleton Jr. College for three semesters. He went to work for an Engineering Firm in Waco where he was transferred to Bartlett, TX to survey for R.E.A. Power Lines in the spring of 1941. There he met the love of his life Sibyl Skinner who had just completed her freshman year at San Marcos State Technical College. It was love at first sight and they were married in Taylor, TX on July 26, 1941.

Fred enlisted in U.S. Navy in October, 1942 and served in the “Seabees” 34th Construction Battalion spending two years in the Pacific Theater. He was injured in battle and was awarded the Purple Heart in February 1943. Fred was also awarded the Bronze Star for valor.

After being discharge from the Navy in October 1945 he returned to Bartlett where their only child, William Dallas Soules was born September 03, 1946.

In July, 1951 Fred enrolled at Texas A&M on the GI Bill and earned his degree in Civil Engineering in May, 1954. Fred, Sibyl and Dallas moved to Waco in 1956 and later Fred started a Private Engineering Practice. His Civil Engineering Firm represented many Texas cities in developing their infrastructures. Fred was highly respected throughout Texas. In 1963 Fred was appointed to the State Plumbing Examiners Board by Governor John Connally. He was also highly respected for his Civil Engineering Expertise throughout the southern border states. He was a lifetime member of the Society of Professional Engineers. He sold his company and retired in to his farm in Lorena in 1981.

Fred was a member of the Mayflower Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, and The Honorary Society Tau Beta Phi.

Fred lived a long, happy, and successful life.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life Sibyl Skinner Soules his wife of 59 years, his beloved son William Dallas Soules passing in 1993. Brothers Luther Hugh Soules II, Marion Edward Soules, and J.T. Soules, brother in-law Bill Frame, sisters in-law Merle Soules and Aileen Soules.
Fred is survived by his wife Mary Fore Soules, his five step children and spouses, Greg and Cindy Fore of McGregor, Danny and Hazel Fore of Lorena, Cyndi and Don Mocek of Arlington, John Fore of Austin, and Luther and Karla Fore of Lorena. His is also survived by seven step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother John and spouse Dorothy Soules of Sundown, sister Janet Frame of College Station, and sisters in-law Nettie Olla Soules of Tyler and Jean Soules of Cedartown, Georgia and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside Service

3PM ,Friday, February 10, 2012
Lorena Cemetery
Lorena, TX