Obituary of Elmer Gautier

Elmer Henry (Bill) Gautier Jr., 88, of Salem, died Thursday, November 28, 2013 at the Salem Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. Bill was born in Mobile, Alabama and grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast near his ancestral home which is now the the town of Gautier, Mississippi. He served in the Navy during World War II. A graduate of Duke University School of Engineering, "Bill" was retired from General Electric Company. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Lillian Purdy and Elmer Gautier Sr., brother Robert, and an infant granddaughter, Julie Gautier. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Donna Marie Eckels Gautier; son, Paul Gautier and his sons, Ben, Trevor, Justin and Parker; daughter, Rachel Haupt Page, daughter, Nancy Wood, son-in-law, Keith Wood, and Nancy's son, Kyle Martin; sister-in-law, Gerry Gautier; nieces and nephews, Terri, Toni, Michael and Robert Gautier. The family wishes to thank social worker, Christie Lawrence and the staff at Salem Health and Rehab for their care. Thanks also to all the special friends who gave us support during this difficult time. There will be no visitation and interment will be private. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church 42 E. Main Street Salem, Va. 24153. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 540-366-0707.