Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bill was my husband. When we met, I was a single mom with 4 little boys. I never thought that my life would change, but Bill was our miracle. He loved "his boys". He loved being a daddy. He adored his family. About a week before he died, he picked his mother up and and danced around with her in his arms. He teased his dad about the family resemblance of his ears. He always talked about his sisters, Debbie and Linda. He was so proud of them. Allan, his brother, was also very loved. Bill would tell me that he felt bad that Allen was not allowed to sit in the front seat when Bill got his drivers license. He was a great brother uncle and son to all of his family. When I fell in love with Bill, I remember thinking that this is what other people had, not me. I adored him. I was so in love with Bill that I always felt like we were still on our honeymoon. When he was killed, the boys and I were devastated. The house felt empty. I continued to set the table for 6 people. I wondered if I would ever have a day without crying. Our sons are grown now and are wonderful dads. We still talk about Bill all the time. A day never goes by that I don't think of him. He was born to be a police officer. He had such a presence when he came into a room in uniform. Being with him made me feel safe. I will always miss him. I remarried the most wonderful man. He sat with me day after day crying and grieving and so full of sadness. He is a remarkable, modest man who took a family in ruins and put us all back together. I am grateful for Bill who showed me a better life and for my Joe who made it happen.

Brenda Gilham Gassaway
Widow

August 13, 2012

I just discovered this page, and I'm reading all of the comments about my uncle. I was only 9 when he was killed, and the tragedy rocked my closely knit family. My mom was his sister. Mom passed away 33 days ago, so I know she is reunited with Bill in heaven after having missed her brother for over 26 years. To everyone who has left comments and rembrances, thank you. His mother (my grandma) is still alive, as are one brother and sister. We all gather at my grandma's every week. To any of you who were good friends with Bill or the Gilham family, if you want to contact us, feel free to find me on Facebook.

Carol Westcamp

Carol Westcamp
Bill's neice

May 18, 2011

Today, Mom gave me the ring that you gave to her when you proposed. She even had the same ring box that you used. I am going to put it on my girlfriends finger tomorrow when I ask her to marry me. Happy Birthday Daddy Bill.

Anonymous

August 13, 2010

Rest with God

Capt. Lloyd Franklin
AR State Police

July 5, 2009

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Gilham. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 2008

Just found myself thinking about you today Bill and wanted to stop by this site and remember you. You were so funny. You made me laugh. I was always glad when you showed up at the house to visit or eat dinner. I was an impressionable teenager back then but I knew if my dad liked you that you must be a great guy. I know he respected you as an officer and considered you to be a friend. I hope the family you left behind is doing well all these years later.

Never will you be forgotten!

Cindy

Cindy Lairamore Bowles

November 27, 2007

It is hard to believe that it has been 23 years since that day. I was a wide-eyed rookie patrolman in Dequeen. Bill took me under his wing and taught me how to be a police officer. Bill had a great scence of humor. If there was a joke or a prank being played on someone, usually his fellow officers, Bill was behind it. I only got to work with him 10 months before he was taken away from us, but the impact that he had my life will never be forgotten.
God bless

Charles Crawford

July 5, 2007

Wow, I just found this site today, sadly, because of a Fort Smith Officer who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Daniel C. Martinez. I had to see if Bill was here. I only wish that his picture was bigger so that I could see and remember his face better. Bill worked with my father, Officer Dale E. Lairamore, Jr. as an officer at the Barling, Arkansas police department and I remember him like it was yesterday. I was only 14 years old at the time of your death and it ripped my dad apart. My parents just loved you and so did my brother and I. I can still remember the day you walked into our house because noone answered the door and it was unlocked. you stepped inside as far as the living room and our loving and very protective doberman backed you right back outside!! We laughed about that many years, the look on your face was priceless. I sure do miss those days when I was a kid, but I will remember you as long as I live Bill. My dad (who was my hero) thought you were a very fine man and fine Police Officer. I just remembered thinking of you as family! Mom put flowers on your grave every year until she passed away and now I do that in her place. You will always be fondly remembered by my family Bill. God bless you for all you did to serve and protect you community--God bless you---

Remembering you with much love,

Cindy Lairamore Bowles

Cindy B.

March 27, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 3, 2006

rest in Peace.

July 5, 2006

As far as I'm concerned the suspect is as responsible for all you DeQueen officers as well as ASP Trooper Louis Bryant. Our State lost five courageous Officers because of one low life coward. May God bless all of you and your families.

Ret. Sgt. Mark Hanna
Fayetteville, AR PD

February 28, 2005

On the 20th anniversary of this horrible tragedy, may we never forget their sacrifice. May God have brought Peace to their Family, Fellow Officers and Friends...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept Lewisburg, Pa.

July 5, 2004

On the 20th anniversary of this horrible tragedy, may we never forget their sacrifice. May God have brought Peace to their Family, Fellow Officers and Friends...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept Lewisburg, Pa.

July 5, 2004

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

03/22/04

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 22, 2004