Bill Depue
Bill Depue of Barstow passed away at the age of 96, on October 22, 2022. Bill was born on January 14, 1926, in Gardena California to Hazel and Earl Depue. After graduating Barstow Union High School in 1942, Bill had quite the list of accomplishments, such as a Sonar Man for the Navy, UCLA Graduate with a major in math, teach mathematics at the college level, and obtain a private piolets license. He pioneered the lapidary industry when he invented diamond grinding wheels, to then start a business manufacturing one of the world’s best lapidary grinding machines. He devoted his life to rockhounding in the desert and inventing new machines for his business. He was a member of several Associations and Gem Societies throughout southern California, but most importantly “Uncle Bill” to a host of nieces and nephews through several generations. He was our role model for kindness, consideration, and forgiveness. He will be missed.
