William F. "Bill" Storey

1922 - 2018

Storey, William F. "Bill" of Chelsea, Michigan Age 95, died Thursday, February 15, 2018 in Chelsea, Michigan. He was born December 21, 1922 in Ionia, Michigan, the son of William C. & Lena M. (Knight) Storey. Bill, a retired Marine Corps pilot and WWII veteran, was a devoted husband to Jean, his wife of 71 years. His interest in national and local politics and current events led to many lively discussions with his children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. His wise counsel was respected and appreciated by many. Bill was also a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was proud of his family's accomplishments and always showed interest in their lives. Bill graduated from Knox High School in Indiana in 1940. He served as a Naval Aviator in the Marines during WWII, eventually retiring as a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve. He graduated from Michigan State College in 1949 using the GI Bill. He began his career as an installer for Michigan Bell Telephone, quickly moving up to their data-communication group. He was a pioneer in early computer development and marketing, with clients including MSU, WSU, U of M, and Consumers Power. He moved, with Jean, to Chelsea in 1950, and retired in 1981. Bill was a member of Chelsea United Methodist Church since 1950, and was also a member of the Chelsea School Board, the Navy League in Ann Arbor, and the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea. He served as Treasurer for the Village of Chelsea, member of the Village Council, and director of Chelsea's Civil Defense in the 1950s. On August 31, 1946, Bill married Jean C. Weisgerber. Other survivors include children, Sarah (Dennis) White of Onsted, James Storey of Fredericksburg, VA, and John (Elizabeth) Storey of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren, Marc (Ann) White, Peter White, Jill (Jeffrey) Blazok, Molly Storey, Camden Storey, Anna Storey; five great-grandchildren, June White, Nolan and Drew White, Abigail and Charlie Blazok. Bill was preceded in death by his older brother, Gerald Storey. A spring memorial service is being planned. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or the United Service Organization (USO).