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William Franklin Aurand, 93, of Beech Creek, was welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Born Dec. 19, 1932 in Northumberland, Bill was a son of the late Sylvester and Esther (Brouse) Aurand.
He was a 1950 graduate of Lock Haven High School.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army.
On April 1, 1956, he married his love, the former Kathryn Bechdel, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage.
Bill was employed at Piper Aircraft until its closing. He was worked for Haven Homes and, finally, Lowes.
He was a longtime dedicated member of Blanchard Church of Christ, serving as both a deacon and elder. Bill was an active volunteer with their food pantry, sang in the choir and stepped in to help wherever needed.
Bill was a member of the Beech Creek American Legion.
In his younger years, he volunteered with the Beech Creek-Blanchard Fire Company, even housing the ambulance in his garage. He also took pride in coaching his sons in Little League and Junior League baseball.
Bill was an avid reader and Penn State football fan.
He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly gardening, visiting Burges Run Hunting Camp and swinging in his backyard while he birdwatched.
In addition to his wife, Kathryn Aurand, of Beech Creek, he is survived by a son, Robert (Kathy) Aurand, of Texas; sisters, Shirley Dauberman and Kate Bowes; grandchildren, Matthew (Caitlin) Aurand and Katelyn (Cole) Harrison; and great grandchildren: Kinley, Payton, Harper and Hayden.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William "Billy" Aurand, Jr.; brother, James Aurand; and sisters Jean Long, Phyllis Lytle, Sarah Moore and Betty Sheasley.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Beech Creek Wesleyan Church, 217 Main St., Beech Creek with Rev. Dr. Russell Moldovan, Pastor Wally Kocher and Rev. Alan Eckenroad officiating.
Private interment will follow at Blanchard Baptist Cemetery.