William Allen Rathgeber

William Allen Rathgeber, 73, of Dallas, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by family on September 7, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Bill was born on December 16, 1946 in DuBois, Pennsylvania to William D. Rathgeber and Marian Jane (Allen) Rathgeber. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico, where he played center and long snapper for the Lobos football team and earned a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri. He married Cathryn Stooksberry on June 10, 1972, in Amarillo, Texas.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as did his father, brother and sister, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after twenty years. During his service, he managed programs for the National Emergency Airborne Command Post, Presidential Support Communications, and Air Force One. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bill joined Rockwell Collins as an engineer and program manager specializing in communications systems. He retired from Rockwell in 2009.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved golf, skiing, and especially camping with his two sons. Bill participated as an adult leader in his sons’ Boy Scout troops, Troops 221 and 1001. He accompanied them on countless camping, backpacking, canoeing, diving, and climbing trips and was extremely proud that both sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Bill also loved hockey, faithfully attending both his sons’ games and fanatically following his Dallas Stars. He was an active member of Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, serving that congregation as an Elder.

Bill is survived by Cathy, his wife of 48 years, his son Bryan (Margaret), sister Susan (BJ), brother David (InSuk), as well as beloved extended family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey and his parents,

A private service will be held at DFW National Cemetery with a live video stream available on Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church’s YouTube channel on October 5, 2020, at 11:30 am Central Time. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church or to Operation Kindness, or to Highland Springs Resident Care Fund.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23