William Boyd Thrasher

William (Bill) Boyd Thrasher On February 14, 2009, Valentine's Day, we lost our great husband, father, teacher and coach. Even though our lives will never be the same, we will always look back with a smile and remember our "gentle giant". For those of us who were fortunate enough to know Bill, we are sure you will remember him as a quiet person that you would be happy to consider a friend. Bill was honest and was always there to help out - traits, we hope we can all live up to. He was born September 25, 1928 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, the last remaining child of James Frank and Myrtle (Crumby) Thrasher. He passed away in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 80, due to pneumonia. Bill grew up in Sherman, TX, graduating from Sherman High School and attending Austin College in Sherman and Ventura College in California. Bill was an Eagle Scout and served in the US Navy. Upon retiring from the Navy, he spent nearly 40 years as an Electronic Engineer for Raytheon Mfg. Co. in California and Massachusetts. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Genevieve Russell and his older brother, James. Bill is survived by his wife, Shari (Stilwell), of Marana, AZ and three children; sons Bret of Broomfield, CO and Curt, of Ventura, CA and daughter Nicole of Camarillo, CA; and the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Cole and Lexi of Ventura. Bill and Shari moved to Heritage Highlands, in Marana, in 1998. He was an avid golfer, all-around sports fan and he enjoyed volunteering for the Diamondbacks spring training baseball. Inurnment of Bill's ashes will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura, CA at a later date. ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME (297-9007).