William Vaughn Hillstead

1931 - 2025

William Vaughn Hillstead

January 20, 1931 - February 21, 2025

Olympia, Washington - William Vaughn Hillstead of Olympia Washington passed away at home on Friday, February 21, 2025.

He was born January 20, 1931 in Gillette Wyoming to William & Marion (Croft). Attending Sheridan High School he played the clarinet, worked on cars and excelled at basketball. After graduating he served in the US Navy during the Korean War 1949-1953. He followed the admiral and was proud of his communications work. He told stories of changing ships every two weeks by high line, surviving stormy seas and devastating typhoons. Bill married Charlotte McCalla on August 19, 1950 in Sheridan WY. He enjoyed working retail in Kalispell MT and Spokane WA. He was a Real Estate Broker, sold cars, set up mobile home parks and travelled to TX setting up Jiffy Lube franchises. Well into his 70's he worked as an advocate for people in WA presenting claims for hearing impairment. His work combined driving all over the state and meeting peoplehis favorite things. Bill was known for his firm, twenty year old handshake, and for always helping people. He had a passion for road trips and dancing. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and visits with friends. He was active in the Capital Vision Christian Church. He loved his church family and looked forward to greeting everyone on Sunday mornings.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert (Dolores) of Tacoma WA, sister Jean (Luther) of Salt Lake City UT, ex-wife Charlotte, son Billy, and daughter Nancy Nelson all of Vancouver, WA. He is survived by daughter Janice Hurley (Earnie "David") of Cheney, WA, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grands that he was so very proud of. He adored his nieces and nephews and was forever dreaming of another fishing trip!

Bill will be honored and remembered at a military ceremony at the Washington State Vererans Cemetary, 21702 West Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA 99022, date tbd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Senior Services for South Sound or The American Heart Assn.

RSVP or requests for information can be sent to Janice @ hurljan@ymail.com.