William L Colglazier

William Lee Colglazier ( aka Bill, Mr. “C”); Born May 27, 1930, Richmond, Indiana to Chester (Pard) and Mildred (Davis) Colglazier.

Bill Moved to Salem, Indiana as a young boy and was raised in the Salem Community, graduating from Salem High School, in 1948. He then joined the Army, spending three years in Japan and then two in France. After a short stop in college with a interest in Baseball and other studies, he decided to re-enlist and pursue a career in the US Army where he served in the infantry for 22 years in leadership roles, retiring as a Sergeant 1^st class. In his break between the Army he met the love of his life, Marjorie (Hackney) Colglazier and they were married and soon stationed in France where they spent 3 years and added their Son, Terry Colglaizer to the family. Their time in the military including him serving 13 months in Korea and family spending 2 years in Germany, and time in Missouri, Georgia, Indiana, and Wasington where they made their home. Their daughter Cheryl (Sullivan-Colglazier) joined the family along the way when he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. His final tour of duty was serving in the infantry in the Vietnam War. When visiting the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., he was reunited with men that served in his troop and he and Marge were repeatedly told of how they and many others wouldn’t have made it back if it wasn’t for his abilities and leadership. Amongst his many accolades bestowed upon him during his career included the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Settled in Lacey, WA and now retired from the Army he rested one weekend and started his career in the tire and auto service business. Helping to revitalize downtown Olympia he opened a Firestone Store on 4^th Ave.

Bill was a leader at work and beyond. He was a highly competitive football and baseball player and coach. Then a successful coach of his children and many other young people. He was committed to helping them learn the technical aspects of the game (The basics), teamwork, and the discipline needed to win well. Coaching Terry and many of his school mates in football (Go Packers!) and Cheryl and many girls and young women in softball; then his grandsons and others in baseball, he proved himself as an accomplished coach-in wins, championships, and teaching those he coached.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Warren, Phil, and 2 infants, as well as other loved extended family members. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, son, Terry (Mary Kaech Colglazier), Daughter Cheryl (Linda Sullivan-Colglazier), 5 grandchildren (and Spouses), 5 great grandchildren, brothers Don (Shirley), Stanley, Valerie (Warren), his Hackney family and many cherished nieces and nephews and other extended family members (and our dogs and cats)

His Love of his life, sports, and family will always be remembered and his physical presence will be missed in our journeys. His final years had an impact on him through the progression of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other physical challenges. Though all of this he maintained his sense of humor and playful, engaging nature. He is in a better place now, and his family is thankful.