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William Lee Massengale (Bill), passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018 with family by his side after living for 9 years with early-onset Alzheimer’s, complicated at the end by cancer. He was born on November 10, 1950 in Velasco, Texas, attended Brazosport High School, became an Eagle Scout, and graduated from Texas A & M in Electrical Engineering in 1973. He worked for DuPont, Exxon, Rollins, and in 1992 came to work at the Los Alamos National Lab, leaving in 2010 for health reasons. He loved construction and project management. He earned his Professional Engineer and Project Management credentials, as well as a Master’s in Organizational Management. A friend who worked for him at Exxon was instrumental in getting him to move to New Mexico, beloved friend V.J. Montanye of Abiquiu. His friends from high school, Tony Barnard and Sam Sutherland remained his friends for life.
In 1974, Bill married Kate Seitz Massengale, the love of his life. Bill was a kind, thoughtful, generous, and loving man of the utmost integrity. He liked travel, going to Iceland, India, and Brazil, as well as England, parts of Europe, and Mexico. He loved history, Shiner Bock beer, had a great sense of humor, but most of all he loved his wife, supporting her to complete her education with a Ph.D. from Rice University. He was very proud of her, but he would tease her: “You know what Ph.D. stands for? Piled higher and deeper.” He is greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A.P. and Wilma Massengale; his sister, Paula Weiser; father-in-law, James Seitz and step-brother, Ross Dudley. He leaves behind his wife, Kate; brother-in-law, Alton Weiser; nephews and nieces, Chris and Karen Ellis, Phillip and Rachel Ellis, Michele and Tony Muniz; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Catalina Seitz; sister-in-law, Carol Courtney; mother-in-law, Bertie Seitz; step-brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Pat Dudley, Vicki Dudley, Maribeth and Larry Moore.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. The family of William Lee Massengale (Bill) has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.
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Janice Mangum (Colwell)
I was so sad to learn of Billy’s passing. He was such a good guy. Not just your average person, but someone who was selfless, kind and compassionate. Rest In Peace, Billy. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Kathaleen Snyder (Varnado)
I was just thinking about Bill the other day. I had almost every class with him & he was such a gentleman even back then. I was looking very forward to seeing him @ the reunion but it thrilled me to read his obit & see what a success he was. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & May God hold you all in His loving Hands. Gone but never forgetten BILL !!!
Tony Barnard
So, so sad to lose Bill. We were so close growing up. Church, boys scouts, Eagle Scouts, Thespians, cars, double dating, etc. Always a gentleman and all around great guy and friend. He will be truly be missed.