William Henderson Shorthose, Vietnam veteran

William Henderson Shorthose, 81, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. Born in Kansas City, Mo., July 23, 1944, Bill was the son of the late George and Elizabeth (Dobbins) Shorthose.  

Bill was an Army Vietnam veteran, then attended Lynn Technical College in Missouri, majoring as a machinist. He loved his family, his dog Jessie, country music, watching football, horse racing, game shows, and communicating and messaging with friends and family via Facebook. Bill was an avid fisherman, bowler and pool player in his younger days. He was known throughout the Lewes and Rehoboth area as a country music singer, where he performed either solo or with his brothers. For many years, Bill was an active member of American Legion Post 17.

He is survived by his life partner of 45 years, Gloria Lester; his brothers, Herbie and Patrick Shorthose (Joanne Jackamowski); and two sisters, Shirley Mitchell and Mary Kaiser. He is also survived by two daughters, Kaeci Shorthose and Aimee Lamendulla (Mark); a stepdaughter, Linda Shupe (Roger); four grandchildren, Charlie, Mark, Kate and Michael Lamendulla; a step-granddaughter, Caitlin Shupe; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, George and Freddie Shorthose, Norma Rutherford, Verna Roberts and Betty Cartmill.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where family and friends can visit from 2 to 3 p.m.

Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11994744/LTWebcast.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to American Legion Post 17, 113 American Legion Road, Lewes, DE 19958, or Humane Animal Partners, 18675 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Visit Williams' Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.