William "Billy" Fernandes, a former state lawmaker and Kauai County Council member, died June 2 at his home in Wailua Homesteads, Kauai. He was 88.

After graduating from Saint Louis College in Hono­lulu, Fernandes served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.

Before his elected service, he worked as an electrician and farmed his homestead land. He also owned and operated Kamokila Village Inc. on Kauai.

Elected to the territorial House of Representatives in 1952, he later served in the state Senate and was appointed deputy director of the Department of Agriculture by Gov. John A. Burns.

Fernandes was active in the community. He helped to establish the Kauai Racing Association and served as a member of the Kauai Farm Bureau, community federal credit union and veterans council.

Members of the Merchant Marine who served in World War II are considered military veterans because so many freighters came under attack.

Fernandes is survived by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn Ohai Fernandes; son Kimo; daughters Audrey Maile Fernandes, Lehua Fernandes-Salling and Napua Law; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and brothers George B. and Stanley B.

A celebration of his life will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at St. Catherine Church in Kapaa. The burial will follow at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery.