William Alvin Storey

William Alvin Storey

November 6, 1945 - August 3, 2024

William "Bill" Alvin Storey, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2024, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician, and friend, whose life was filled with passion, humor, and deep connections.

Born on November 6, 1945, Bill was a man of many talents and achievements. He graduated with honors from Royerton High School in 1964, where he excelled at both academics and athletics. The recipient of the prestigious Storer Scholarship for academic achievement, he also participated in baseball, basketball, and track, winning the !964 Royerton High School Track Athlete of the Year Award after his wins in the 100 and 220 yard dashes resulted in his team winning the Delaware County Track Meet. His academic journey was marked by distinction, earning a B.S. in Industrial Management from Purdue University in 1969; a B.A. in Music from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado in 1976; an M.A. in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Denver in 1977; and an M.B.A. from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1981.

Bill's love for music was central to his life. He dedicated many years to teaching guitar, including a cherished period at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. He performed in multiple groups and as a solo artist, sharing his passion with audiences and his family alike. His children all inherited his love for music, playing instruments and singing, a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

Beyond his musical talents, Bill had a long and successful career in IT, retiring from a management position at MasterBrand Cabinets in Jasper, Indiana, in 2011. His warmth and humor fostered lasting friendships with many of his coworkers, relationships he cherished until the end.

Bill had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, often spending time biking, hiking, and camping in the mountains. He was an enthusiastic bicyclist, a lover of golden retrievers, and a dedicated Purdue fan, catching every game he could. At home, he delighted in cooking, particularly Mexican cuisine, and was known for his love of jokes and puns-the cornier, the better.

Bill's family was his greatest pride and joy, and he took immense pride in his children's accomplishments. He helped coach athletic teams and made it to every possible school event and performance. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Deidra, with a highlight being playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo with an Irish band at the famous Temple Bar in Dublin.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Deidra; his daughter, Rachael, and her husband, Donovan; his son, Nathan, and his wife, Jennifer, with their children, Madelyn, Evan, Sam, and Gabrielle; his son, Daniel, and his wife, Rebecca, with their children, Aya, Evie, and Luca; and his son, Aaron, and his wife, Morgan, with their children, Jackson, Max, and Caroline. He will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held in October, where friends and family will gather to honor Bill's life and legacy through fellowship and song. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic research in the world.