Billy Orville Vanzant

Billy O Van Zant, age 83, of Magalia, California died July 24, 2007. Billy was born May 20, 1924, at Topeka, Kansas, a son of Jack Van Zant and Bessie Young Van Zant. The family moved to Denver Colorado and he attended school in both Fort Collins and Denver. At the age of 15, he started work at Western Union in Denver delivering telegrams. On his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Not quite meeting the height requirement, the requiting officer placed the Denver telephone book on the floor and told Billy to place his heels on it. He met the minimum height requirement. He then served in the 2nd Marine Division during World War II through out the South Pacific. He was wounded in Tarawa and honorably discharged in September, 1945. After the Marines, Billy went to work for Pacific Bell, retiring after 32 years of service as a cable splicer. He and his wife, Delpha Clements Van Zant moved to Magalia, CA, and built their current home in 1977. Billy loved the outdoors, especially their property and caring for the land. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a 50 year member of Artesia F & AM Lodge #377, a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Moose Lodge. Billy is survived by his wife Delpha Clements Van Zant, a son Billy Gene of Montana, many dear friends and family members. Billy was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., at the Rexburg Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.