William Clark Whiston

William C. Whiston [Bill] died on October 1, 2024 in Sacramento CA after a short illness. He is survived by his daughter Nikki Vancuren, her husband Chad, and their daughter Britton. Other survivors include his brothers Lyn [Debbie], Charlie, and Steve [Nina] as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his second wife Michele. His first wife Sheila Whiston-Fox survives him.

Bill was born March 1, 1947 in Newburyport MA. He was the second son of Lionel A. Whiston and Dorothy E. Whiston. Bill went to grade school in Salisbury NC, junior and senior high school in Webster Groves MO where he enjoyed playing baseball and the saxophone. During his father’s sabbatical in Jerusalem, Bill became fluent in Hebrew and attended classes at Hebrew University. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Elmhurst College [now Elmhurst University] in Elmhurst IL. Bill spent twenty years in the U.S. Air Force and retired with the rank of Major. He served in England and Thailand as well as in the USA. While in the Air Force he earned an MBA from Webster University. Bill was trained as a navigator and would amaze his brothers at his ability to identify stars in the night sky.

Bill was an avid golfer. He first played golf with his dad in the Saint Louis area. He was on the golf team at Elmhurst College. He continued to play while in the military including at least one round at St Andrews in Scotland. He was also an excellent pool, scrabble, and bridge player. The family treasures some photos of Bill golfing with his dad and with his brother Steve. He had a regular foursome in Sacramento after his retirement until his health made this impossible a few years ago. He also enjoyed playing poker with friends.

Always an animal lover, Bill was particularly fond of cats. He and Michelle raised and showed Abyssinian cats. Bill also qualified to serve as a judge at cat shows, a role he enjoyed.

Bill was a family person first and foremost. He took great delight when his granddaughter Britton came into his life. Even though widely separated geographically from his brothers, he enjoyed family reunions every two or three years in places like Yellowstone, Zion NP, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

A small celebration of life will be at a later date with family.

Memorial to: Greater Wichita YMCA, 402 N Market, Wichita, KS 67202