William J Fuson

William Jean “Bill” Fuson, 95, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, leaving a legacy of devotion to family, education, community, and friendship.

Born April 2, 1931, in Wakefield, Illinois, Bill graduated from Decatur High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, stationed in England. Upon returning home, he earned his degree from Millikin University and later completed a master’s degree in education at Northern Illinois University.

In 1960, Bill married Donna Carter, beginning 66 years of marriage. They settled in Western Springs, Illinois, where they raised their two children and lived for approximately 30 years.

Bill devoted his career to teaching, first as a mathematics teacher at Pleasant Grove Junior High School and later teaching industrial arts and woodworking at Morton West High School. He also served for several years as an assistant swimming coach at Morton West.

During their years in Western Springs, Bill and Donna were members of the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs. Bill was active in the community as a Boy Scout scoutmaster, AAU swimming official, and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In 1997, Bill and Donna moved to Mesa, Arizona, splitting their time between Arizona and their beloved lake home on Indian Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan. In Mesa, Bill enjoyed his involvement with the Lions Club and his Thursday morning coffee group. In 2019, they moved to Friendship Village in Tempe.

Bill and Donna loved traveling together across the globe and throughout the United States. Bill enjoyed collecting coins, jigsaw puzzles, gardening, woodworking, jewelry making, bowling, and golf. He especially treasured time at Indian Lake, taking pontoon boat rides and spending quality time with family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Merritt J. Fuson and Ruth Smith Fuson. He is survived by his wife, Donna Carter Fuson; daughter Kathryn Fuson Glenn (William); son David Fuson; grandchildren Laurel Glenn, Andrew Glenn (Tyler), David Glenn (Jenny), Ellie Fuson, and Joe Fuson; and two great-grandchildren, with a third on the way.

Above all, Bill was a devoted family man who cherished time with his children and grandchildren. Exceptionally patient, quick to smile, and slow to anger, he was a man of few words but possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew him learned to listen carefully because, when Bill spoke, what he had to say was usually worth hearing. And he was rarely seen without his trademark suspenders.

A memorial service will be held at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona, on November 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Bill’s quiet wit, gentle nature, and unwavering love for his family, God, and country will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

For those wishing to honor Bill’s memory, the family would be grateful for donations to Millikin University in lieu of flowers.