William Arthur Verkest

William Arthur Verkest was born December 6, 1939, in Burlington, Wisconsin to Clarence and Edna (Van Patten) Verkest. He grew up in Waukegan, Illinois and graduated from Waukegan Township High School. Bill graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Civil Engineer Degree in January, 1963. On February 9, 1963, he married Judith Ann Ames. In June, 1963, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and began a twenty-five year career as a civil engineer. He had a tour in Vietnam (1969-1970), was a base civil engineer, and a Commander of a RED HORSE squadron in South Korea among many other outstanding assignments. During this time, he also received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Bill retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in 1988. His many awards include The Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.
Bill began his civilian career as the manager of the Denver Office of HWS Consulting Group followed by the position of Director of Construction Management Division for the City and County of Denver. In 1994, he became the Director of Engineering Services for the City of Arlington, Texas, retiring in August, 2002. He was the Director of Public Works for McKinney from 2003-2005, and Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Worth from 2009-2011. Bill was also the recipient of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year in 2009 from APWA. Bill is a member of Scottish Rite, a Shriner, Past President of Sunrise Rotary Club, Past President of the American Public Works Association, Past President of the Public Works Institute of Texas, a volunteer of Arlington Memorial Hospital, and a member of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church.
Preceded in death by his mother, Edna Van Patten Verkest Tonkin; his father, Clarence Verkest; and his son, David Arthur Verkest. Survivors: Wife - Judith (Judy) Ames Verkest; Daughter, Stacey Ann Verkest Voigt (Mike); Son, Todd Adam Verkest (Heather), and grandchildren, Alexander William Verkest and Presley Elizabeth Verkest and Bonus granddaughter, Cassandra Souchek. Brother, Edgar James (Mary) Verkest; and Sister, Joan (Wally) Gibe; Sister-in-law, Kathy Ames as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends.
A full military service will be held at the National Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.