William Venable Alters. In celebration of the life of William Venable Alters, 73, of Edmond, OK, passed away on July 9, 2005 in Edmond. Born, July 26, 1931 to Dr. Roland Alters and Mildred Cato in Dallas, TX. Bill was a licensed commercial pilot, but instead became a top notch salesman. He was a pharmaceutical representative for 20 years followed by another 20 years as a chemistry lab associate at CSU (now UCO), retiring in 1999. He served as chaplain in local Masonic Lodge No. 37 in Edmond for many years prior to his death. Bill was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason (Shriner). Always serving the community, Bill had been active in Lions Clubs for over 30 years, and since retirement had volunteered at both the Edmond Historical Society and the Edmond Medical Center with the Auxiliary Volunteers. Bill became the very first male president of that primarily female group. Bill is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Betty, of the home; sons, Jim Alters and Brad Alters of OKC, Stuart White of CA, and David Alters of Edmond; one daughter, Janet Leathers of OKC. Also included among survivors are Mickie White of Dallas, TX (Bill's first wife) and husband Jim White with whom Betty and Bill are longtime treasured friends, and their son Scott White of NY. Plus 9 loving grandchildren. The family requests donations be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation of OK, 3424 French Park Dr. Edmond, OK, or you may choose to send flowers to your favorite nursing home through Jimmy Burdick at Edmond Specialty Flowers, 416 S. Broadway in Edmond. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2005 in the First United Methodist Church in Edmond, OK. Services are under the direction of the Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, OK.  Published in The Oklahoman on 7/13/2005.