Sheridan native Orwill G. “Bill” Sikora, 80, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, in Houston.

Funeral services were at Kleiin Funeral Home in Houston. Ashes will be placed this summer in Sheridan, Rawlins and Laramie.

Born June 3, 1928, in Sheridan to Beatrice and Tony Sikora, he graduated from Sheridan High School in 1946, spent 18 months in the Army Engineer Corps in Korea, then attended the University of Wyoming from 1948 to 1952. He majored in civil engineering and graduated with honors.

He worked 35 years for Chicago Bridge and Iron Co.

He and his wife, the former Clare Kazmerchak, traveled extensively until settling in Houston in 1974.

He was active in Boy Scouts when he lived in Chicago Heights, Ill., and worked with the Deaf Parents Organization. He was a 52-year member of Masonic Lodge 7, a 32nd degree Mason, and longtime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

He enjoyed crossword puzzles, dabbling in the stock market, and genealogy.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Gene, and two stepbrothers, Leo and Anthony.

Survivors include five children, Charles, Gene, Dale, James and Jerilee Ortiz; and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may benefit the UW College of Civil Engineering, where he established a scholarship fund.

The Sheridan Press - January 22, 2009.