Charles William “Bill” Stillwell, 81, of Yorktown passed away on Monday, August 14, 2017, in Tyler, Texas. Services will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 10:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church in Westhoff, Texas. Interment will follow in the Westhoff Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6pm to 8 pm on Friday, August 18th, at Finch Funeral Chapel in Nixon, Texas.

Bill was born to the late John D. Stillwell and Mary Taylor Stillwell in Camp Wood, Texas on July 2, 1936. Bill served in the Navy during the Korean War. Bill was MIA and survived in the Korean countryside for over 11 months before he was rescued.

After coming home from the war, Bill led an adventurous life and had many interesting experiences. Bill was a cattle rancher, goat rancher, bronc rider, truck operator, and had a bulldozer business. All of these business ventures allowed him to lead life to the fullest and meet many new friends.

Bill was a vivid storyteller and never talked to a stranger. The stories got better each time he told them. Bill loved to tease his grandkids and they loved their “Papa Bill.” He enjoyed living on his ranch and watching the cows. Bill was hampered later in life due to a medical injury that affected his mobility. We know he is in a better, pain free place now.

Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Ortmann Stillwell, and his children: Rhonda Stillwell of Yorktown, Lana (Brad) Hood of Tyler, Scott (Jennifer) Spoor of Spring, Jeff (Nicole) Spoor of Corpus Christi. Bill and Pat are raising their great-grandchildren, Hannah and Wyatt. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Danielle Field of Yorktown; Trent and Beth Hood of Tyler; Jack, Elizabeth, and Joshua Spoor of Corpus Christi. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ola Creech.

Memorials can be made to the American Legion Post 0369 in Westhoff, Texas or St. John Lutheran Church in Westhoff, Texas.

Arrangements entrusted to Finch Funeral Chapel LLC of Nixon (830) 582-1521.