WILLIAM STINSON

WILLIAM STINSON William Thomas "Bill" Stinson, of Sherman, Texas, passed away March 18, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Bill was born Aug. 20, 1943, in Greenville, SC, where his military father was stationed at the time. But his heart home was Kankakee Co., Ill., where his maternal family has lived since the mid-1800s. In 1961, Bill graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School, and later entered the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in various bases around the world as he served for 16 years. His exemplary service in Vietnam was honored with the U.S.A.F. Air Medal, recognizing the completion of 18 combat missions as a crew member in hostile territory. After retirement from the Air Force, Bill stayed in Texas and enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard for an additional 11 years, attaining the rank of Master Sargent. He was proud to be a veteran. While in the military, Bill studied at Southern Illinois University for a bachelor's in industrial engineering, a field in which his logic, perfection and perseverance served him well for over 30 years. He also loved his time as a high school football official and Cub Scouts assistant pack leader. Friends and family smile when they remember Bill's enthusiasm for sharing all the knowledge and wisdom he'd acquired with willing listeners. Bill will be missed for his brilliant mind, dry wit and weird sense of humor. He had a comeback for almost any question. Even with Alzheimer's robbing his abilities, he still answered "Where you going?" with "Crazy, want to go with me?" or "How are you?" with "Okay, so far." His most famous saying was "I picked up my hammer and saw," when something became clear to him. Bill was a family man and believed family was family, no matter what. He came into Pamela's life at a time of chaos and helped to create a life of goodness, kindness and patience. He wasn't a perfect man, but he was a good man. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Pamela, nee Pearce; daughters Phyllis (Edward Roche) Stinson and Helen Stinson; stepdaughter Shawna (Chris) Kuntz, and stepson Jason (Julia) Fowler; grandchildren, in birth order: Nic (Darian) Fowler, Josh Chapman, Agnes Roche, Maeve Roche, Connor Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Olivia Fowler, Edward Roche Jr., Fannin Fowler, Spartacus Fowler and Aurelia Fowler; and one great-grandson, Silas Fowler; brother Micheal (Julie Sigwart) Stinson, and sister Patricia (Perry) Brown, whom Bill lovingly called Patsy. He was devoted to his uncles, aunts, his many cousins on both sides, and so many others whose lives intersected with his. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence W. Stinson, Sr., mother, Phyllis Larrigan Walsh, and sister, Lynette Clark. Per Bill's wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. A memorial is planned for midsummer in Indiana at the annual Stinson family reunion. And per his usual no-nonsense, scientific mindset, long ago Bill had decided to donate his body to science. His wishes were honored. Those wishing to honor his memory, please consider a donation in his name to Alzheimer's research, your local veteran's organization, or any organization of your choice.