William E. Kingdon, 94, of Londonderry, NH, passed away Saturday January 14, 2023, at his residence in Londonderry, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved cat Girlie. He was born on March 8, 1928, in Salem, NH, the son of the late William and Sylvia (Bodwell) Kingdon.
Willian/Bill Kingdon served in the Navy during World War II on the ship USS Briareus. While serving, he met the love of his life Lois to whom he was married for 70 years. In his younger years he drove an 18-wheeler for Appleyard's Trucking and worked at Nault's garage. In 1955 he began his career in the Salem Fire Department as a call fireman. He worked his way up the ranks and in 1972 he accepted the position of Salem Fire Department Chief which he excelled in until his retirement in 1980. He had a passion for thoroughbred racing and owned and trained horses at several local racetracks.
Once retired, Bill and Lois moved to Florida and spent 38 years in Dade City where he raised cattle and grew and bailed hay. Bill had a love for gardening and sitting on his porch swing waiving to neighbors as they drove by. It was on that porch swing that he had many conversations with his best friends (also known as his adoptive son and daughter), Billy and Mandy Milam. In 2019 Bill and Lois moved back to New Hampshire to be closer to family.
William Kingdon is survived by; his three daughters and their spouses, Cherryl and Bill Gordon, Joyce and Richard Newman, and Brenda and Bob Selinga; and his son and wife John and Kymberly Kingdon. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren. sister, Marilyn Meserve, and sister-in-law, Eleanor Reed. William was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois (Meserve) Kingdon. Infant grandson Ryan Selinga, and infant great grandson, Ira Thomas Newman.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 9:00am to 11:00am in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Manchester VNA/Hospice or a charity of your choosing.