William Stephenson

William Thomas "Bill" Stephenson, 91, passed away on April 25, 2016, at the VA Hospital in Cheyenne, WY. He was born March 10, 1925 in Rawlins, WY. to Thomas and Clara (Espy) Stephenson. He was the youngest of two children. He attended school in Rawlins, graduating in 1942. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, Effie and Clare "Pop" Espy, on their ranch south of Rawlins. He fondly shared many memories of those years. It was during this time that they instilled in him the value of hard work and saving. After graduation he joined the Merchant Marines proudly serving during WWII. After his discharge, he lived in Chicago, Il. while attending mechanic school. When schooling was complete he returned to Rawlins and began working at Neuman Transit where he worked until he retired. He later worked for the City of Rawlins and at the Sinclair Refinery, all these years as a mechanic. On June 10, 1970 he married Lillian (Wilcox) Zanoni. Together they made their home in Rawlins and spent years of camping, fishing, and caring for their large, beautiful yard where he planted over a 100 trees, shrubs, and flowers. He is survived by his step-daughter, Madeline "Maggie" Miracle, of Casper, WY.; step-son, Mickey (Barb) Zanoni, of Mesquite, NV.; grandsons, Bill (Diane) MacPherson, of Rawlins; Michael Zanoni (Chris Wheeler), of Seattle, WA.; granddaughter, Becky MacPherson, of Casper, WY.; great-grandson, Devan MacPherson, of Casper, WY.; great-granddaughters Chelsi MacPherson (Bob Ross), of Casper, WY.; Ashlynn MacPherson, of Casper, WY.; great-great granddaughter, MacKenna Ross, of Casper, WY., and his two nephews Gary (Barb) Koontz of Rawlins and Tom (Bev) Koontz, of Las Vegas, NV. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian (3-12-16), parents, grandparents, and sister, Winona (Jack) Koontz. His family fondly remembers how he took great pride in his hobby from repairing and refurbishing complicated engines to his grandchildren's toys or building them something special. The deceased requested there be no service. There will be a private gathering of the family for the interment of Bill and Lillian. His designated honorary pall bearers to be: Dan Mika, Tom Koontz, Gary Koontz, Skyler Koontz, and Deb Chaffin. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Rawlins Senior Center, Box 111, Rawlins, WY. 82301 or plant a tree.