William James Punch, Sr.

66, of DeSoto,Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of West/Hurtt Funeral Home on Saturday - March 22, 2014 at 11:30 A.M.Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mt. Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX on Monday - March 24, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. A Celebration of The Life of   William James Punch Sr.   Sunrise -June 19, 1947                                                                                                         Sunset - March 12, 2014  William James Punch Sr. was born on June 19, 1947 to Gladys Punch and William Roberts in Terrell, Texas.  He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas.  He spent his summers with his maternal grandparents in the "Frog" Community near Elmo, Texas.  During the summer, "Butch," as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, worked with his grandfather, Timothy Punch - "Poppa Tim," in the family lawn care business.    He developed a strong sense of family, and an ethic of hard work, integrity, and  fairness under Poppa Tim's influence and guidance.  He often talked about His grandfather's no-nonsense approach to work; and laughingly recalled that when the truck arrived at a client's home, he and his uncles had to jump off the truck before it came to a complete stop and begin work immediately.   He had fond memories of the times spent in the Frog community, and through the years, he regularly attended family reunions, homecomings, and other community activities where he reunited with members of both families, neighbors and friends. After high school, Punch enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade ("THE HERD") from 1964-1967.   He was proud of his military service with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and he attended a number of their annual reunions around the country.  He always said that there was a special bond among the men who fought and served together that civilians could not understand; therefore, he requested that he be buried with "his brothers in arms."Punch worked for Roadway Express for nineteen years as a long haul truck driver, and received the highly acclaimed 3 Million Mile Safety Award for his service to the company.  In 1984, he moved to Austin, Texas where  he operated a small auto shop.  He was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where he served as Head Usher for eight years; and with his wife, Rosalind, served as Director of the Holy Cross Youth Group for six years.  No task was too big or too small for him to complete. Punch was loved and respected by his family, friends and those he came in contact with for his witty, fun-loving personality, and his ability to make those around him laugh even when they didn't want to do so.  He was especially fond of children and seniors; he often said that the "in-betweens" caused him the most problems.  He was a positive influence for many young people, especially young males, who enjoyed his sense of humor and for "keeping it real."  The neighborhood children often came by to have their bicycles "serviced" and to just hang out with him.  He was a true protector of children - not only his, but all children around him.   In addition to his service to his church, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity; participated in community cleanup activities and other charitable service organizations.  One of his neighbors gave him the title, "The Mayor of Touchstone Street," because he always looked out for their children, their well-being and property by watching for suspicious activity, taking a tardy child to school, and edging the neighbors yards down the block after cutting his lawn, to name a few. He enjoyed auto racing and the thrill of competing.   Throughout his life, he always had a  "project" in the making - getting ready for racing season or for the next Juneteenth Parade.  His last project was the restoration of a 1966 Chevy step-side truck.  His fashion statement was his signature overalls, which he wore on most occasions; and in later life, his army field shirt with 173rd Airbornne and other military patches.  Punch is predeceased by his parents, Gladys Punch and William Roberts; his sister, Patricia Ann Punch and a special uncle, Eddie McBride.  He is survived by his five daughters - Linda Kay Arnold (DeKalb); Dena Arnold (DeKalb); Phillippia Mechelle Tanner (Dallas); Nicole Cunningham (Austin); Erin Cunningham (Austin); one son, William James Punch II (Stacy) (DeSoto); his loving brother and caregiver, Darryl Bernard Jones (Valerie); a special granddaughter, Kayla Cunningham; his loving friend to the end, Rosalind Cunningham (Austin); 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Thank you Punch for the Love and Joy you brought to our lives. You will always be our Guardian Angel and Protector.   We will miss you dearly and you will be in our hearts forever!