William Leonard Rathbun

William Leonard Rathbun, a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as a passionate traveler and a successful businessman, died peacefully in his home in Walden, Montgomery, on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 74.

He was Bill to most who knew him, but "Dad" to his children and "Papa" to theirs. He is remembered by friends and family as the "bright light in every room he entered" and someone who effortlessly turned strangers into friends with his brilliant smile and his outstretched hand. "Hi, I'm Bill," was his signature ice-breaker.

Born Oct. 20, 1951, in Whittier, California, to Charles Raymond Rathbun and Phyllis Ann Peterson Rathbun, Bill was bitten by the travel bug as a child. His father's job took the family to such places Lake Oswego and Short Hill, New Jersey. He landed in Houston in 1964 and would live near the Texas Gulf Coast from then on.

As a boy, Bill loved animals and was constantly picking up strays. Then as a young father, Bill was able to spend so many years watching his family grow. Later, each new grandchild — and new great-grandchild was a delight to him. The ideal “fun” Papa, Bill would jump down waterslides, go boating and skip across the water on a jet ski. He also enjoyed golfing, swimming and snorkeling. But sometimes he was just as happy laying on the beach with a book.

Bill met his wife Christina, whom he called his "queen," in Galveston in 1999. They moved to Conroe in 2003. Bill loved their home, and was proud of it. That's where he could be found planting flowers, feeding the birds and meticulously maintaining the pool that provided him so much enjoyment.

Travel energized Bill. He and Christina cherished their times in Mexico and Sweden, which is Christina’s homeland. They also enjoyed cruising the ocean and touring the states in their “Silver Bullet” Airstream and were sometimes accompanied by their grown children and families.

In August Bill and Christina, along with Bill’s niece Liz and her husband Mitch, made a poignant trip to the Jersey Shore to revisit many of Bill’s childhood memories.

Cooking was Bill's "love language." He was a master at the barbecue pit and his ribs were legendary. He and Christina had numerous friends and a near nonstop social calendar. They were active with Rotary International, groups of friends in their Lake Conroe communities, and their local Parrothead group. Bill truly lived life to the fullest.

As a young man, he met a mentor and lifelong friend who introduced him to the medical supply business. This would be his profession for the rest of his work life.

In addition to Christina, Bill leaves a long list of loving survivors:

Daughter Kathy and husband Chris; daughter and Johnnie and her husband, Stan; stepson Charlie and his wife, Dani; and brothers Chip Rathbun and Bob Rathbun.

Bill's grandchildren from Kathy and Chris are Christopher and wife Callie; Will and wife Shelby and Julie and husband Richard. His great-children from Will and Shelby are Finley & Sophie. His great-grandchild from Julie and Richard is Florence.

Bill's grandchildren from Johnnie and Stan are Peyton and husband Cole, Axel and Bradley. Great-Grandchild from Peyton and Cole is Carter.

Grandchildren from Charlie and Dani are Trinity and Kinsley.

Step-Grandchildren from his deceased stepson Jason are Duncan, Ariel and Gage Morris.

A celebration of Bill's life for family and friends will take place on the Spring Solstice, March 21, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.