William M. 'Bill' Youngman Jr.

William M. "Bill" Youngman Jr. passed away Dec. 16, 2012, surrounded by family at Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise, Idaho. Bill was born Jan. 28, 1932, to William Max and Lila Vesey Youngman in Aurora, Ill. When Bill was at a very young age, the family moved to Winfield, Iowa, where young Billy grew up. Billy participated in sports and Boy Scouts. He was a good student and graduated from Winfield High School in 1950. Bill worked various jobs and along with a ROTC scholarship, put himself through college at the University of Iowa majoring in business, graduating in 1954 with honors. Upon graduating from the University of Iowa, he entered the Air Force and became a pilot. He left the Air Force as a captain in 1957. In July, 1955 he went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Esther Higgs. It was love at first sight! After a short, long-distance romance, the two were married in Calhoun, Ky., on Dec. 29, 1955. Theirs was a 57-year love affair. After serving in the USAF, Bill began his career with Northwestern Bell in 1957. He served in various positions and in several cities. He spent 15 years in Omaha, Neb., where he worked in rates and tariffs. Bill was active in the Boy Scouts. As part of his service with the Boy Scouts he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. He was an active member of Rockbrook United Methodist Church. In 1977 Bill and Esther moved to Chatham Township, N.J. when Bill went to work for AT&T in New York City. Bill was a liaison for AT & T to the Justice Department during the breakup of AT & T. Bill retired in 1986. Bill and Esther moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where he spent the next 26 years in retirement. Bill was an active member of the Bella Vista United Methodist Church, serving as a Stephen's Ministries leader, discipleship teacher, finance committee, Methodist Men and the administrative board. He was a member of the Computer Club, the Gun Club and Neighborhood Watch. He taught computer classes. He played golf regularly and made golf clubs for fun. Bill and Esther traveled a lot as well. The last few years of his life, Bill bravely fought dementia. The family wishes to thank Bella Vista United Methodist Church, neighbors on Stonehaven Drive and Court, Highlands Rehabilitation Center and countless friends who provided support. Bill leaves behind a family who loves and misses him very much. He was a man who made a great impact in quiet ways. He leaves his wife, Esther, of 57 years; three children, Betty (David) Turner, Boise, Idaho, Julie (David) Harris, South Jordan, Utah, Mark (Maureen), John's Creek, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Turner, Ann Turner, Boise, Idaho, John Turner, Seattle, Wash.; Matthew Harris, Katelyn (Taylor) Parker, Tania Harris, Sasha Harris, South Jordan, Utah; Bill Youngman, Ashley Youngman, John's Creek, Ga.; and one great-grandchild, Rheya Turner, Boise, Idaho. Memorials may be made to Bella Vista United Methodist Church, 20 Boyce Dr., Bella Vista, AR 72715; or Bella Vista Library, 11 Dickens Place, Bella Vista, AR 72714. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 18, 2013, at the Bella Vista United Methodist Church, 20 Boyce Dr., at 10:30 a.m.