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William Arthur, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 30, 2004 in Hobbs, NM. Bill was born in Socorro, NM on Oct. 22, 1922. His parents were John Jourdan and Harriet Bauer. Bill was the youngest of four children: Frank Jourdan, deceased; Bonnie Baker, deceased; and Ruth Tribby of Chicago, IL. Bill attended Albuquerque HS and graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1944 with a degree in civil engineering. While at UNM, Bill was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and a quarterback for the Lobos, having played in the 1943 Sun Bowl tournament. At UNM, he met his future wife, Ellen Ann Chisholm. After serving in the US Navy, Bill married Ann on Sept. 8, 1948 in Pampa, TX. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2001. As a civil engineer with El Paso Natural Gas, the family lived in Kermit and El Paso, TX, and Farmington, NM before settling in Hobbs, NM, where Bill founded W.A. Jourdan Construction, Chaparral Builders, Security Fence and later acquired Dalco, Inc. Bill and his son, John have both served as president of AGC, Associated General Contractors of NM. Bill and Ann lived in Hobbs for over 50 years, where they raised their seven children and were active members of St. Helena Catholic Church. Bill was also a member of Rotary Club. Bill is survived by his seven children and their families-DeLayo; Jean Ann and Leonard, son, David of Albuquerque and daughter, Francesca and her husband, Chris Padjen of Cincinnati, Ohio. DeWalt; Mary and Bill, son, Evan of Waco. Sons, Wylie, USAF, of Hurburt Field, Florida and Drew, USN, of Charleston, SC. Heiman; Patty and David of Albuquerque, daughter, Shannon and her four children of Dallas and son, Todd of San Antonio, TX. Walthall; Nance and Michael of Albuquerque, Algermissen; Jane and Col. Robert, US Army and son, Andrew of Maxwell AFB. Jourdan; John and Mary and children William, Maria and Jane of Hobbs. Beaumont; Eileen and Bill and their sons, Will, Russell and Jourdan of Albuquerque. Bill had recently returned from an extended in vacation in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he was joined by most of his family. On numerous occasions he commented, "I'm the luckiest man alive! Just look at my family." He always believed he lived "la vida llena". His children will forever remember their father as a man of unyielding character, generosity, deep faith, dedication, wisdom, compassion and concern for his fellow man. He worked hard every day of his life and he never met a stranger. Bill loved God, his family and his country above all else. A rosary will be held on Monday, August 2 at 6 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church and Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 3 at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the St. Helena Church Building Fund, 100 East Bender Boulevard, Hobbs, New Mexico 88240.
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