William Colston

William H. Colston, 81, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at his home in Spring Branch, TX. Born on April 6, 1944 in Springfield, Illinois, he was the son of Hubert and Loleta Colston.

“Wild Bill” enjoyed a number of activities in his life and began tinkering and mechanic work in grade school.  He enlisted in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic, and following his tour, spent a lifetime fixing and making the world better whether as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic for Trans World Airlines and American Airlines, in his shop on his homestead in Texas, or with any person who needed help.  He was a world traveler who visited and worked in over 50 countries, and every US state.  He was a private pilot with over 2000 hours of operation. He was a farmer of cattle, chickens, and vegetables.  He was an avid fisherman with his brothers and nephews.  He drove over 1M miles as a truck driver and rode his motorcycle deep inside the Arctic Circle in Alaska.  He loved all sorts of movies and TV, especially old westerns.  He loved dogs including Dutches, Mystery, and two different Rascals. He also loved his adopted state of Texas where he spent the last 40 years of his life.   Above all Bill was a loving and steadfast husband to Janie for 62 years, a supportive father to his children and great friend and storyteller to those in his circle, including his great friends Jim and Kay Gilliland.

William is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janie Colston; children, William Hubert Colston, II and James Neil Colston; granddaughter, Erica Colston, and brother, Joe Colston. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his older brother Chuck, older sister Jaenette, and younger brother Gary and his daughter Lillian.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Encinal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity.