More detail on this person: William Ivie Stevenson Easton Monterey CA United States William Ivie Stevenson Easton January 19, 1924 ~ May 17, 2007 Monterey " On May 17, 2007 William (Bill) Ivie Stevenson Easton, age 83, left us to join his winged comrades in his journey to the West. He, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, warrior, and savior of those in jeopardy, and friend to many, will be sorely missed by those whom he loved and was loved by. He was a very special person and a unique individual. He passed this world surrounded by his wife, Carol, and their faithful dogs, Honey and Boo, after a long battle with emphysema. Born on the 19th day of January, 1924 in Palo Alto, he was raised and completed his primary education in this city, being graduated from Palo Alto High School. He later attended San Jose State College. Immediately following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy which turned him into one of the world's hottest pilots in five short lessons " he learned to land between wandering cows and bouncing over pasture fences. After WWII, he continued his helicopter piloting skills in his capacity with the Navy, saving the lives of many when their vessels floundered at sea. After 15 years in the Navy, ascending to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he found himself in the midst of a "reduction in forces" and returned to the City by the Bay. During this period of time he encountered an old schoolmate who informed Bill that the U.S. Army was seeking experienced helicopter pilots for something called Viet Nam. Shortly after this meeting, he entered the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer and during the course of the following 18 years served two tours in Viet Nam and trained novice beginners to become exceptional aviators. One of Bill's proudest moments was when he was accepted as a member into the Quiet Birdmen Association. Bill spent 33 years in proud service of his country " 15 in the Navy and 18 in the Army. He was one of the very few who had the distinction of wearing both the Navy and Army Wings. During his military career, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, 16 Air Medals and over 22 different award commendations and citations. He served over 11 years overseas with six and a half in combat yet never received the Purple Heart " he was a very lucky man. After his retirement from military service, he entered the private sector and in 1990 relinquished his video store business to become Mr. Mom looking after Carol, his beloved dogs and their home. In 1974 Bill began collecting Jim Beam Ceramic Bottles, and he and Carol eventually joined the International Association of Jim Beam Bottle Collector Clubs. Through the years, they attended many International Association Conventions and collected life long friends in the process. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 35 years; his son, Steven, of San Jose; his daughter, Tina Bondelid, her husband, Alan, of Iowa, their children, Vanessa Doren (Mark) and Ethan (Susan), both of Nebraska; his daughter, Judy, her significant other, Nick Volpi, of San Jose, Judy's children, Kathryn (Keith), of Las Vegas and Jason (Mary), of Minnesota and great grandchildren Carter, Madison (Vanessa & Mark), Mia (Ethan & Susan) and Savannah & Nicky (Kathryn & Keith). He was predeceased by his son David. David's sons, Scott and Tony, survive him and live in Hawaii with their mother, Shelly. There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Bill's Life at the family home on June 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Donations are directed to the Monterey County SPCA or the donor's favorite charity.
This information was last updated 10/25/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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