William Paul Schoonover was born July 21, 1935, to parents Chester and Annie Schoonover in New York City, New York. He died May 28 at Harborview Hospital in Seattle.

He attended schools throughout the United States and graduated high school from the American Dependents School in Heidelberg, Germany, as his father was career Army. After high school he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Verdun, France. He enjoyed traveling in Europe and North Africa.

After his discharge from the Army, he used the GI Bill to further his education. At Western Washington University he earned his teaching credentials and a masters degree. He taught English, journalism and yearbook at Bellingham and Bridgeport high schools.

To help finance his college education he joined the National Guard. Before attending Office Candidate School, he achieved the rank of E-7. After receiving his commission, he joined the Army Reserve and attended the Sixth Army USGS Schools C&GS summer program as a student. After graduation he spent his summers as a C&CS instructor or phase coordinator. He retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 45 years of service.

He was a member of the American Legion, DAV, MOAA and PBY Museum. He volunteered at the PBY Museum and at Christmas, he was Santa for parties.

He loved to write letters to politicians and letters to the editor.

While attending WWU, he met Ruth, his wife of 55 years. Traveling the world was enjoyable for them. They have no children. Bill is survived by wife Ruth, brother Frank and wife Hilde, and numerous nieces and nephews.

No services are planned. Memorials may be made to the PBY Memorial Foundation, PO Box 941, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com