William J. “Darkhorse” French, 75, of Perryville, Missouri passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born January 29, 1949, in Tulsa, OK to William T. French and Mary Jane (Rees) Buchheit.
He and Shirley Zahner were married on July 13, 1968 in St. Louis, MO. She survives in Perryville.
William worked as a Truck Driver for Beelman Trucking for 30 years.
He was of Christian Faith. William was a car enthusiast who enjoyed collecting, fixing and racing cars. He also enjoyed spending time learning about Native American History.
Additional survivors include five sons, William Joseph (Madlen) French, Wesley (Nicole) French, Wilson French, Whitney (Natosha) French, Walker French; two daughters, Ronda (Don) Mitchell, Shelly (David) Schumer; four brothers, Rick (Kathy) French, Kenny (Cindy) French, Tom (Cindy) French, Mike (Leslie) French; sister, Laura (Kent) Luckey; thirteen grandchildren, Amanda (Jared) Oberndorfer, Matt Petcu, Will French, Reid (Alyssa) Mitchell, Blaid French, Jasmine French, Jenna Mitchell, Madison French, Megan Dwyer, Tyler French, Lex French, Tyson French, Dylan French; six great-grandchildren, Lynna, Hadley and Lucas Oberndorfer, Levi, Jaxon and Brian Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step father, Glennon Buchheit.
Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
Burial will be at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Silver Lake.
Memorial contributions may be given to charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.