William Maurice Templeton, 92, of Junction City, and lately of Highland Village, Texas, went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 9th, 2018.
Although a resident of Junction City for most of his life, Maurice and his late wife Margaret moved to Texas in late 2015 so they could be cared for and surrounded by family on a daily basis. Loving family members left to remember his sweet spirit are his daughter Jan Templeton Brashear and her husband Reagan Brashear of Flower Mound, Texas; grandson Clint Brashear and his wife Susan Bates Brashear, grandson Jarret Brashear and his wife Meghan McGlone Brashear, granddaughter Sommer Brashear Everett and her husband Matt Everett; four cherished great-grandchildren, Eden Brashear, Miles Everett, Beverly Brashear and Remy Everett.
Also surviving Maurice are his cousins Jon and Tammy Jerry who helped care for he and Margaret at home for several years. He also had the love of a cat named Tombo who now resides with Jan. Tombo was able to visit Maurice in the nursing home. After graduation from Junction City High School Maurice entered the Army and was a WWII war hero, as was every brave man and woman who fought for our freedom during that time.He landed at Le Havre, France, and fought bravely across the continent. Maurice was temporarily made the Mayor of a small town in Austria and was known to be a gracious soldier. He fought for our freedom and the liberation of Europe as part of the 261st Regiment, 65th division of Patton’s 3rd Army.
After he returned from the war he made his way to Denton, Texas, to find Margaret Jones just as quickly as he could. He repeatedly told the story of their meeting as “quite a reunion” and we are rejoicing as they are now having quite a reunion again. Not long before Margaret died Maurice was overheard telling her, “What a wonderful life we’ve had!” —and so it was. Following the war Maurice managed several lumber mills and worked for Monsanto Chemical and finally Great Lakes Chemical before retiring. He seemed to know how to use every tool in existence and do anything from restoring an antique car to building a house. With a passion for working with his hands he helped pass on many skills to his son-in-law and his grandsons. Over the years he has offered a helping hand, guidance and encouragement to many projects. His family is grateful to have wonderful momentos such as furniture and even garden swings. He also loved traveling and spending time at Lake Claiborne as well as enjoying the Gulf Coast. Maurice taught many people how to ski and love the water.
Visitation will be held at 5 to 7 p.m. today at Young’s Funeral Home. Long-time members of Immanuel Baptist Church, Maurice’s service will be held there at 1 p.m. on Saturday with graveside service following at Roselawn Cemetery in Junction City. Officiating will be the Rev. H.B. Fuller and the Rev. Neil Everett.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons Clint and Jarret, family members Joe Lynn Henley, Jon and Tristan Jerry, Chad Rockett and close family friend Bob Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Bates and Wayne Smith.
Memorials can be made to Immanual Baptist Church.
Please join his family to salute him whether you knew him as Mr. Templeton, Mr. T, or Maurice. Our hero, our Papoo.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.