William “Wild Bill” Facker, 92, passed away Friday, April 8, at Pine Ridge Nursing Home in Pagosa Springs.Bill was born to Harold Fay Facker and Jessie Jewel Menifee Facker on Jan. 27, 1924, in Shamrock, Okla., and was raised lovingly by stepmother Dora Trindle Facker after his mother’s passing in 1928. He was one of six children: sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Shobe and Mary Ann Clark and brothers Jack Harold Facker, Richard Fay Facker and Frederick Emerson Facker.
Bill grew up in Drumright, Okla., and attended school there and graduated from Drumright High School. Bill then served in the United States Navy from May 13, 1943, until April 8, 1946. During this time, he saw duty in the Pacific Theater of Naval operations against Japan, serving onboard the oldest American naval ship, the U.S.S. Oglala (built in 1907 and converted to a repair ship after being sunk by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and refloated). Bill was a machinist’s mate 3rd class. For his service in wartime, Bill was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1 star) and the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon (1 star).
Bill made his way to Pagosa Springs in 1959 to work as the parts manager of the local Chevrolet dealership. He met Rose at the local diner where she worked, and on July 31, 1960, they were married. They raised their two children, Bill Jr. and Debbie, together while sharing 49 years of marriage.
Bill was a family man and he treasured his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. He was a friend to all and enjoyed entertaining with his wife, Rose. Bill loved the outdoors, singing in the Methodist Church choir and gambling at the casino with Rose.
He is survived by his son, Bill Facker Jr. (Darlene); grandson Nathan (Sylvia); daughter Debbie Lucero (LeeRoy); granddaughter Melanie Brunson (JayDee); grandson Lonnie Lucero (Michelle); great-granddaughters Ally, Jayden, Aniston and Laci; and great-grandsons Gage and Darren; sister Mary Ann (Jack) Clark; brothers Richard (Dick) Facker and Frederick (Connie) Facker; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose; sister Betty; and brother Jack.
No one else in our family exemplified the enthusiasm for living, focusing on the positive and making the best of each God given day on this earth as he did. We will cherish our memories of his generosity, his gracious hospitality and his love for his family and friends. We’ll remember his craziness, too, but fondly, since he was one of a kind.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at Yamaguchi Park in Pagosa Springs, at 11:30 a.m., where he will receive final military honors. We invite all those who knew and loved him to join us and celebrate his life.
