William Gerald Read, Jr. (Bill to family, Jerry to many others) passed away on October 8, 2024, in Lompoc, California. He was born November 18, 1939, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of William Gerald and Rita Ann (Klasinski) Read. He graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, studied at the University of Kansas and then served in the US Navy from 1960 to 1966, aboard the USS Tattnall. On June 25, 1966, he married Elizabeth Anne Moore of Cataño, Puerto Rico. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked as a computer engineer. Bill was an active life member of the BPOE and a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He enjoyed going to Mass, being outdoors, going to BPOE meetings and sitting in front of the house visiting with neighbors. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth, his parents, sister Barbara and brother Richard. He is survived by his brothers David and Mark of Amarillo, TX, sister Rita of Lambertville, NJ, brother Larry of Albuquerque, NM, his son Bill and fiancé Miyuki Nakano of Santa Barbara, CA, son Michael of Lompoc, CA, and daughter Susan and her husband Daniel Fabela of Lompoc, CA, granddaughters Ashley and her husband Isaiah Ramirez of Bakersfield, CA, Jael and Kayla Fabela of Lompoc, CA, and great-grandson Thomas Ramirez of Bakersfield, CA. Bill was respected and loved by many and will be missed by all. He now takes his place at Elizabeth's side for eternity.

Viewing will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, Lompoc, on October 19, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Angels Catholic Church at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kansas, on October 25, at 1:30 pm.