Charles Wilford “Bill” Fleming, 83, died Feb. 20, 2011, at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville, following a lengthy illness. He was known by many names to his family and friends, including Bill and Charlie and Chuck. Bill was born on Nov. 23, 1927 in Osawatomie, Kan., to Charles G. and Laura F. Fleming.

Bill left high school toward the end of his senior year and enlisted as a weapons specialist in the U.S. Navy. He was married to Delphine Teixeira on May 14, 1949. Together they traveled the world going to various duty stations, including Guam, Okinawa, Hawaii, various stations throughout California, Kansas and Whidbey. Bill completed his sea duty aboard the USS Yorktown, Hancock, Midway and Kitty Hawk. He received his Chief Petty Officer rating, the same time he received his Commission as an Ensign. His twilight tour was aboard NAS Whidbey Island. Bill retired as a Lieutenant (0-3) with 28 years of service.

Bill was a true adventurer. As he received new orders, he would learn everything about the area and every free moment he and the family had, they would explore their surroundings. They would leave the main highways and travel the back roads, seeing as much as they could. His adventures became great family events. Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, cutting firewood, scuba diving for salvage materials, spelunking and reading. Bill was a voracious reader, with a passion for history and especially western novels. He was a lifelong learner, completing his associate’s degree at Skagit Valley College in his retirement years. He was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, the North Whidbey Sportsman Association and the NRA.

Bill is survived by his wife Delphine and by six children: Barbara and Eddie Eguires of Honolulu, Janice and Guy Valencia of Santa Barbara, Calif., Robert and Val Mowers of Scottsdale, Ariz., Sharon and Charlie Varona of Birmingham, Ala., Mary Arlene and Carl DiQuolla of Virginia Beach, Va., and Scott and Mary Ann Fleming of Honolulu. Twenty-five grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and by one son, Michael Fleming.

A Vigil Service for Bill was held Feb. 24 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine’s on Friday, Feb. 25, with Rev. Jerry Kienzle as Celebrant. Interment prayers followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery with a reception following at the Parish Hall. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.