Willard "Bill" Alton Philbrick

Bill was born in Portland, Maine on March 15, 1936 to a military family, growing up in Germany and several US bases. He enlisted in the Army at an early age in 1954 in Tacoma, Washington, beginning his service overseas in Munich, Germany.

Bill served in South Korea and two tours in the Vietnam War, from April 1967 to April 1968, and from January 1970 to January 1971. He received the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation, the Good Conduct First through Third, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, among many other commendations. After 22 years of service, Bill retired as a Warrant Officer CW3 at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Bill met Ellen Taylor-Yoelin, on a blind date in 1980. They were married in 1982.

A long time resident of Colorado Springs, Bill enjoyed golf with friends at Patty Jewett Golf Course, visiting the Retired Enlisted Association club to meet up and share stories with fellow veterans, working on cars and, inspired by Bob Ross and his “happy little trees”, found oil painting as a way to relax and be creative. He was a die-hard fan of the Denver Broncos, and every Sunday could be found glued to the game. He also enjoyed gold panning, polishing rocks, searching for treasures with his metal detector, and meeting friends for coffee every morning at Einstein’s Bagels.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellen; son James Philbrick and daughter Patricia Philbrick, step daughter Renee Yoelin-Allen, step son Bil Yoelin and step daughter Kristin Yoelin-Lindhe; grandchildren Taylor and Mackenzie Allen, Kendra Pingul, Kyla Richardson, Aaron and Erline Philbrick; great-grandchildren Gemma and Jordan Philbrick, Kaelyn and Leah Pingul.

Funeral services will be held at Pikes Peak National Cemetery on August 2nd, 2024 at 11 AM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.