William A. Espenshade, 79

HOUSTON - William A. Espenshade, of Houston, formerly of Fort Washington, Pa., died Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pa. He was 79.

He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., to the late Frank and Anne (Bradley) Espenshade.

He attained his bachelor's degree from Maryville College in Tennessee and his master's in biology at West Chester State College.

William was employed with Merck Sharp and Dome, North Wales, Pa., and later owned and operated Histological Enterprises. He worked and retired from E. R. Squibb & Co., New Brunswick, N.J.

William proudly served in the U.S. Navy and had 20 years of dedicated service with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

He was a charter member of the National Society for Histotechnology.

William is survived by one daughter, Kristie L. Espenshade and her husband Philip Zucker of Holicong, Pa.; two sons, William of Ambler, Pa., and Scott of Warrington, Pa.; and three grandchildren, Adam, Andrew, and Hannah.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday in the Shelly Funeral Home, 1460 Easton Road, Warrington, where friends may call one hour prior.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Friends of DuPont Nature Center, 2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford, DE 19963.