William Robert “Bill” Myers, age 82, died April 12, 2014, at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville. He was born June 6, 1931, in Claremore, Okla. As a child, Bill left the Dust Bowl and moved west with his family to Arizona and then to San Diego, Calif.

At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an Air Traffic Controller for 20 years. He was married to Geraldine Clabaugh, a marriage that lasted 18 years. The Navy took Bill to Port Hueneme, Calif., Oak Harbor, Panama, Guam and back to Oak Harbor. Following retirement, Bill served as a civilian air traffic controller aboard NAS Whidbey for the next 17 years.

Bill married Rebecca J. Russell in Oak Harbor on June 18, 1971. Leaving military and civil service, Bill began a third career as a business owner and operator. He and Becky opened Monique Creations for a time and then created Myers Mini-Mart and Produce Stand. The next project was a motel and restaurant in Concrete. He opened Top of the Hill Video in properties he purchased in the Marketown area and a second location, Top of the Hill Two on Midway. He also purchased the current location of the Oak Harbor Sears store, while keeping his previous business properties.

Bill loved working on his property, using his tractor and other equipment. He raised mini-horses for many years. He also enjoyed being in charge of maintenance on his business properties.

Bill was a former member of the American Legion George Morris Post 129, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Whitehead-Muzzall Post 7392 and the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 97, all of Oak Harbor.

Bill Myers is survived by his wife Becky of Oak Harbor; three children, James Myers, Karen Wright and husband Parks, all of Oak Harbor, and Coleen Elerick and husband Robert of Marion, Mont.,; and one brother, James Myers of Louisiana.

Graveside committal services for Bill Myers will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014, with Gary Wallin, certified life celebrant, officiating.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit Bill’s page in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.walllinfuneral home.com to share memories and condolences.