William J. "Darkhorse" French, 75, of Perryville, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born Jan. 29, 1949, in Tulsa, Okla. to William T. French and Mary Jane (Rees) Buchheit.
He and Shirley Zahner were married on July 13, 1968, in St. Louis. She survives in Perryville.
William worked as a truck driver for Beelman Trucking for 30 years.
He was of the 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; 13 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 stepfather, Glennon Buchheit.
Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
Funeral Service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 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 the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
