William Carl Bouts, 92, died December 13, 2016 at Magnolia Manor on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

He was born May 8, 1924 to William and Della Bouts in South Webster, Ohio. Carl was inducted into the Army in 1943 and served in Europe during World War II with the 11th Cavalry 44th Squadron. He returned to his wife Erma in South Webster after the War and worked as a carpenter building houses. Later, working for Harbison Walker, he was transferred and relocated his family to Hiram, Ohio. He and Erma loved their home in the country where they worked and raised their children. He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures growing up on the family farm. They lived there 50 years and Carl loved driving his red Farmall tractor. After retiring, Carl worked with the local Boy Scout troop for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. Carl and Erma moved to St. Simons Island in 2005. Carl was preceded in death by his daughter Beverly Ruth, sister Avileen Johnson and brothers Charles, Paul and Roy.

He is survived by his wife Erma Jean (Newsom) Bouts, his children Bill (Evelyn), Troy (Mila), Larry (Alison), and Sharon, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and six siblings: Lillie, Shirley Imm, Joyce Crace, Donna Barker, Kay McGee and Danny.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at D.W. SWICK-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in South Webster with Reverend Calvin Evans officiating.  Interment will follow at South Webster Cemetery with military honors provided by James Dickey Post #23, American Legion.  Friends may call one hour before the service. The committal service will be followed by a gathering at Bloom Free Will Baptist Church, 7788 State Route 140 South Webster, OH 45682.    Online condolences may be left at www.DWSwickNelsonFuneralHome.com.