Colonel Billy E. SACHSE

1935 - 2025

Mar 30, 1935 - Dec 28, 2025

Billy Earl Sachse was born March 30, 1935, in Shawnee, OK, and passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 90, in Spokane, WA. Bill graduated from Kennewick High School in 1953 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He joined the service in 1955 and served as a crew member and staff officer for more than 20 years, with training as a Navigator and Bombardier. He was assigned to B-47 and later B-52 Bombers in these roles. He went on to serve in leadership positions for 11 years – including Base Commander, Security Police Commander, Deputy Director of Missile Operations, and Vice Wing Group Commander – at various Strategic Air Command Bases, retiring in 1986.

Bill married Jacqueline Mae Verthein (Jackie) on November 16, 1957, in Sacramento, CA. He credited her support and work at home as a key part of his successful military career. They went on to have 3 children and lived all over the United States, building enduring relationships wherever they called home. Bill was a long-time member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Spokane and spent many years as an active congregant (including as self-appointed Head Usher). In his retirement, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies, such as traveling with Jackie, gardening, restoring a 1939 Pontiac, refurbishing clocks, reading countless historical books, and spending time at the family cabin on Diamond Lake. Bill was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In his later years, Bill found purpose in caring for Jackie – many who knew him were amazed at the way "the Colonel" transitioned seamlessly into a gentle and devoted caregiver. The staff of Riverview Retirement Center have also provided care and compassion, for which the family is grateful. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jackie; his children Brenda Bray and husband Bob of Spokane, WA, Brian Sachse and wife Katy of Bothell, WA, and Eric Sachse and wife Teresa of Branson, MO; grandchildren Katie Bray, Lauren Bray, Jenny Bray, Matt Bray (and wife Felicia), Maren Sachse, Shiloh Sachse, and Lucas Sachse; five great-grandchildren; his sisters Carolyn Nelson and Helen Alexander, both of Kennewick, WA; sister-in-law Lou Sachse of Spokane; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Beulah Sachse, and his brothers Donald, James, and Thomas Sachse.

Please join us to celebrate Bill's life at a memorial service on January 9, 2026, 1 PM, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave., Spokane, WA 99203. Memorial gifts preferred to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Holden Village.