Wilmer Earl Lusk

Wilmer Earl Lusk, affectionately known as Bill to his family and friends and lovingly known as

Papa and Papa Bill to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on

August 7, 2025 at the age of 86.

Bill loved his family fiercely and was a loyal friend to many. He believed in hard work, love of

our country, community service, and the value of a “Learn by Doing education.” Described as a

true gentleman, he enjoyed meaningful conversation, an excellent steak dinner, good humor and

very strong sports opinions particularly over bourbon and a cigar.

On April 9, 1939, Bill was born in Pomona, California. He was the beloved son of Lawrence

Elmer and Helene Faye Lusk. Later, they would move to San Bernardino, California. Baseball

was the foundation of his family’s entertainment and the sport in which he felt molded his life.

He played in the Little League World Series in 1951 and his team, representing San Bernardino,

California, won the Pony League World Series in 1953. Bill continued his love of baseball as he

played for Pacific High School, San Bernardino Valley Junior College, and later at the California

State Polytechnic University, Pomona where he earned his college education.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served on The USS Coral Sea during Vietnam.As a public servant, Bill served the County of San Bernardino for 32 years and concluded his

career as a Deputy Chief Probation Officer overseeing the county’s juvenile facilities.

Additionally, he served his community with his father as a longtime member of the San

Bernardino Optimist Club and the Uptown Exchange Club. Bill also served as the President of

the United Way in San Bernardino.

Bill married Lorna Louise Lei Moniz Lusk on August 28, 1968. He described Lorna as the true

love and highlight of his life. Together, they had two children, Leilani Ellen and Lawrence Earl

and filled their home with love, laughter, and unending care. As a family, much time was spent

in the water with friends and family, particularly in Maui, Hawaii. There was always a seat at the

table or by the pool for anyone who dropped by. They supported their children as they aged and

embraced every new experience they participated in. Their family grew to include Michael and

Meghan who they loved unequivocally as their own. Throughout their marriage of over 40 years,

Bill loved to travel with Lorna, and enjoy live blues, live jazz, and fun in the sun.

As a life long lover of baseball, Bill coached numerous teams for East Baseline Little League

and Wildwood Pony League in San Bernardino. He could be found in the stands as a regular at

every Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Baseball and Cal Poly Pomona Baseball game proudly

watching his son play and never missed the Western Regionals. Bill was a true fan of the

California Angels and he wore red with pride. He traveled to every baseball stadium in the

United States and Canada with his best friend and honorary brother of over 60 years, Ronald

Kuykendall. Together, they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for their stadium

attendance.

Bill was an active member of both the Arrowhead Country Club and the Sun Lakes Country

Club where he could happily be found on the golf course. He thoroughly enjoyed tending to his

beloved rose garden and reading a good book. His daily “Good Morning Georgia” greeting is

forever engraved on his daughter’s rocking chair.

Bill mostly cherished the time he spent with his family and his true loves were “his girls,” his

grandchildren, Hailey, Alana, and Kalena. He supported every one of their interests and their

vibrant personalities with love, kindness, and true devotion, Each girl knew their special place

with their grandfather whether it be at the Rodeo, discussing new books to read, or of course...

over ice cream!

Proceeding Bill into death are his parents Lawrence and Helene Lusk, his grandparents, his

loving wife of over 40 years Lorna, as well as numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He leaves behind Leilani, Michael, and Hailey Keidel together with Lawrence, Meghan, Alana,

and Kalena Lusk.

Services will be private and held in Maui, Hawaii where Bill will be lovingly laid to rest with

Lorna.