William F. Mangels was born on November 25 1925 in Coney Island Brooklyn New York to Frederick and Evelyn Mangels. William attended Brooklyn Technical High School and in his senior year joined the State Guard to replace the men who had left to fight in World War II. After graduation he proudly joined the Army Air Force and was deployed to the Pacific Theater where he served until the end of World War II ending up occupying Japan. After the war he went to Lawrence Tech in Detroit Michigan where he earned his Engineering Degree. He married Alberta Jacoby and subsequently had four children William John Thomas and Barbara. Bill and his boys were very active in Boy Scouts. His sons Billy and Tom became Eagle Scouts. His daughter Barbara along with her mother enjoyed activities in the 4H Club. A big part of his family life was camping in a tent and later a trailer with the "Clamdiggers" a camping club whose members became lifelong friends. They also traveled across the country in their trailer. Along with many of the "Clamdiggers" he began Square Dancing and grew to love it and enjoyed it for many years. Bill was very proud of being named after his grandfather William F. Mangels who was famous in the amusement industry for building Carousels and inventing "The Whip" the Wave Making Machine and many other amusement rides and devices. He was inducted into the Amusement Industry's Hall of Fame along with Walt Disney George Ferris and others. His father and uncle joined his grandfather in the building and improving of the Carousels "The Whip" and other amusement rides. Continuing the heritage of his family Bill joined the National Carousel Association to help save the old original carousels from being broken up. Along with writer/historian Fred Fried he was instrumental in organizing and running the Northern Chapter of the NCA. Bill married Dorothea Johnston June 14 1980 and lived in Floral Park NY. Bill's Air Force group began having reunions taking turns hosting them in their hometowns. Bill and his wife Dot enjoyed seeing the country in this unique fashion. They also made many friends at their condo in Acapulco and enjoyed returning each year for 20 years. In 2007 they moved to Daytona Beach Shores Florida. Along with Dot's sister Mildred her husband Donald daughter Patricia and her friend Bill Schuldt. Bill and Dot enjoyed going on many trips and several cruises. Bill also enjoyed going to Westside Baptist Church and along with his wife joined the church. He loved greeting everybody on Sundays and Wednesdays. He is preceded in death by his son William; He is survived by his wife Dorothea; His children Barbara Thomas and John; grandsons Keith and Justin; stepson William Johnston wife Joan and their sons William and Brian; stepson Wayne wife Marianne and children Melissa Breanna Britney and T.J.; brother Frederick and his wife Linda and sons Doughlas and Randy; brother Albert his wife Louise and their 4 children; sister in law Mildred her husband Donald and their children Donald and Patricia; good friend William Schuldt and many other loving friends. Donations may be made in his honor to Westside Baptist Church 1085 Mason Ave. Daytona Beach FL 32117.
Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona Beach.