William Winter Youngman

William W. “Bill” Youngman, 77 of Muskogee, passed away at his home Saturday, February 16, 2013 after a lengthy illness. Bill was born December 27, 1935 in Columbus, Kansas to Fred W. and Lucille A. (Winter) Youngman. He grew up and attended grade school and middle school at Columbus Central and then attended Cherokee County Community High School, graduating with the class of 1953. Furthering his education, Bill attended and graduated from Kansas University, Lawrence, Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering in 1957. While attending Kansas University, he spent his summers working for his cousin, H.D. Youngman Contractor Inc. in the Baxter Springs, Kansas area. On September 25, 1958, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas as a Surveyor and Instrument Man. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged September 22, 1961. After graduating Kansas University and his honorable discharge from the Army, Bill began working with the State of Kansas Highway Department in Iola, KS. He later transferred to the Paola, KS. office. In 1964, he was promoted to Resident Engineer in Seneca, Kansas. In 1965, he was the Resident Engineer at Edwardsville, in the Kansas City area. Then in 1967, he was a Civil Engineer for Concrete Material Division of Martin Marietta Corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1968, Bill joined his cousin, serving as Vice-President and CEO of H.D. Youngman Contractor, Inc.; working in the rock and asphalt plant in Onapa, OK. He served for four years on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Association of General Contractors, serving as President in 1988; also on the Oklahoma State Mining Board for 6 years; and on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Asphalt Producers Association for 6 years. In 1992, after a 24 year period of working in the rock and asphalt and roadway construction industry, Bill decided to retire. Also in 1992, he joined Tri State Asphalt, Inc. in Picher, OK. as a partnership/owner. Bill later worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Muskogee in 2003. Bill was married to his wife, Diana Donaldson, for over 49 years. They were married in Chanute, KS. on October 26, 1963. Bill and Diana traveled mainly by cruise ship to many destinations such as England, Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Transit-The Panama Canal, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Tahiti, Hawaii, and The Caribbean. Bill was an accomplished pilot and loved his airplanes. His greatest joy was when he was flying his Sky Bolt Aerobatic plane. He also loved animals, especially his beloved Jackson, whom he had for 19 years. Later he adopted 3 rescue cats, Hannibal, Sugar, and Chivas. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Youngman Naccarato; and brother-in-law, Don Donaldson. He is survived by his wife, Diana; his very special friends, Terry Randall and Vickie Surry; his cats; his nieces, Patricia Naccarato Sewell and husband Larry of St. Louis, MO.; Joy Naccarato Darrah of Wichita, KS.; brothers-in-law, Sibio Naccarato, Bob Donaldson and wife Barbara, and other family members. The family requests memorials be made to PAWS, 4321 E. Hayes St., Muskogee, OK 74403 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter, 2448 E. 81st St., Ste. 3000, Tulsa, OK., 74137-4250.

William Winter Youngman

December 27, 1935 - February 16, 2013