William "Bill" Harry Thorne

In the early hours of November 10th – the bugles blew for William “Bill” Harry Thorne at the Veterans Memorial Home in Walla Walla.  His was a life built around hard-work, family, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He was a humble man. A man that could light up a room, strike up a conversation with a stranger, and delight people with stories and intriguing tidbits of information. There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t fix, and it seemed like he knew just about everything.  He was passionate and driven. Always putting others before himself, he combined strength and courage with gentleness, tenderness, and great selflessness.

Bill was a member of the Greatest Generation, born September 9, 1928, in Atlas, Michigan. He was the fourth of seven children to William and Oda (Lily) Thorne. He followed his family out West, and it was in Walla Walla that his life would change forever.  Through a family connection, he met the love of his life, Eileen Riehl. The two were later married on August 16, 1952, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Children soon followed and they welcomed Cindy (Jeff) Akins and Ross (Toni) Thorne. With great love and pride their family blessedly grew with six grandchildren and later, twelve great-grandchildren. Bill and Eileen spent 69 beautiful years together before her passing in 2021.

The US Navy was Bill’s calling.  He served as a Unit Chief in the United States Construction Battalion.  True to the “Seabee” motto, he could build and he could fight! He spent 22 years in the service, retiring in 1974 as a Chief Petty Officer. Together, he and Eileen, along with their children, moved all over the country and overseas, including two tours in Morocco. After Bill’s retirement, they returned home to Walla Walla.

Bill was an excellent mechanic and woodworker, for which his wife was ever proud. In his shop he designed and constructed countless works of art for friends and family. He also restored several classic cars including a 1923 Model T and a 1933 Chrysler. Serving as President of Walla Walla’s Old Car Club he enjoyed driving his restored cars in the Walla Walla parade and “chasing” balloons for the Balloon Stampede. Both he and Eileen loved to golf and spent their retirement playing various courses, especially Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course in Walla Walla. He played in the Men’s Golf League and enjoyed passing his knowledge of the game to his grandchildren. Since retirement did not condone idleness, he kept busy not only with his hobbies, but also continued working with BMAC, Wilder Construction, and Sandy’s U-Rent.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Eileen, his parents, siblings, and his oldest grandchild, Tawnya Nichole Akins. He will be dearly missed by those that survive him. For now, he’s busy giving Heaven a little Hell.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.