Bill Phelan celebrates 80th birthday with large family gathering

A combination birthday and Thanksgiving celebration was held at the Bill Phelan home in Ozark County Nov. 19. At the event, Bill celebrated his 80th birthday with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who gathered from Jefferson City, West Plains, Forsyth and Carl Junction, as well some who are local to the Gainesville area. Bill has lived in Ozark County since 1979, when he moved from California to the Romance area. He is the owner of Trucks and Roadsters by Bill in Gainesville, where he has restored many vintage vehicles over the years - including everything from Corvettes to trucks, his family says. He has developed molds to make a couple of 1939-40 Ford Coupes in fiberglass as well as a 1941-46 Chevy truck and parts necessary to make a Cameo truck from a Chevy stepside. He is passing his knowledge onto his son Vesa Phelan, who has become an expert in his own right, and also onto his grandson Gavin Phelan, who is quickly picking up the knowledge. Bill still works in the office ordering parts, talking with customers and managing all the many details that come up. He is still fine-tuning his own 1940 Ford Coupe based on the one he drove to high school in his younger years. Pictured, from left, front row: Ryan Lamberson, Lilia Lamberson, Amelia Lamberson, Bill Phelan, Emma Mathis and Jenna Mathis. Second row: Olivia Lamberson, Kate Lamberson, Ginger Fletcher, Susan Phelan, Marieh Fletcher, Kelli Riem. Third row: Kjerstin DelaFuente, Marcus DelaFuente, Steven Lamberson, Landen Lamberson, Eldon Fletcher, Brandon Fletcher, Vesa Phelan, Gavin Phelan, Grady Mathis, Manfred Riem, Rachel Phelan and Jayden Riem. Not pictured: Tara, Jade and Evelyn Hannaford and Blayd Law.