William Allen "Bill" "Skip" Himes

August 18, 1946 – May 23, 2026

William Allen Himes, known to most as "Bill" and affectionately nicknamed "Skip," passed away at home in Durango, Colorado, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 79.

Bill was born on August 18, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa, to William T. Himes and Modiste Y. Mahan. He was raised in Sioux City and graduated from East High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1965.

Bill served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1965 until his retirement in 1991, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7) in 1984. His military career took him across the United States and around the world, including assignments in Oklahoma, Ohio, Mississippi, Germany, Turkey, Hawaii, and New Mexico. He spent approximately fifteen years serving outside the continental United States.

Trained initially in avionics, Bill later served as an instructor at the Air Force technical school in Biloxi, Mississippi. During his years stationed in Hawaii, he supervised the renovation of the entire telephone communications system for Hickam Air Force Base. His distinguished military service earned numerous decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the National Defense Service Medal with one service star. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from 1982 to 1987.

Bill embraced adventure and lived fully wherever military life led him and his family. He loved fast motorcycles until a devastating accident ended that pastime. He cherished Saturdays spent with family on the beaches of Hawaii and delighted friends and family with fascinating stories from his years in Europe and Turkey, including tales of weary spies who occasionally found refuge in his home.

On October 15, 1971, Bill married Margaret A. Snowden, the love of his life. Together they built a family and shared more than fifty-two years of marriage before Margaret's passing on January 19, 2024.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bill and Margaret returned to Sioux City. Bill quickly became a leader in the Greenville neighborhood, chairing the Neighborhood Network committee and helping organize neighborhood events and the construction of Grandma Moo's Park.

Bill enjoyed working with his hands and was rarely without a project. He loved collecting tools, woodworking, and home improvement. After retirement, he joined a woodworking club in Sioux City. During his years in Hawaii, his dedication to landscaping frequently earned him "Yard of the Month" honors.

Bill was baptized as a child in the Presbyterian church in Sioux City. In recent years, he attended the Durango Church of Christ.

Bill is survived by his children: Brandy Himes Wheeler and her husband, Nathan, of Durango, Colorado; Neil Himes of Omaha, Nebraska; and William Wymer and his wife, Kimberly, of Eugene, Oregon. He is also survived by his sister, Roxie Ann Marran.

He leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Jacob Wheeler and his wife, Holly; Jordan Wheeler; Rebecca Himes; James Himes; Ben Himes; Danny Himes; Kenneth Wymer; Amanda Decker; and Elizabeth Kolodge. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Eden Wheeler, Elias Wheeler, Blanton Himes, Liam Decker, and Rylee Kolodge.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret A. Himes; his parents, William T. Himes and Modiste Y. Mahan; and all others who welcomed him into eternal rest.

Bill will be remembered for his steady leadership, practical skill, adventurous spirit, devotion to family, and willingness to serve both his country and his community.