Tsgt William (Bill) E. Crist  (Retired United State Air Force)

Born 12 July 1956 in Geneseo, Ill.  Passed away on 17 January 2025 in Tampa, Florida where he lost his battle with leukemia after a long illness.  He attended Riverdale H.S. in Muscoda, Wi before joining the U.S. Air force in November of 1973.  While traveling the world, Bill was able to earn his Associates Degree in Avionics.  After 20 years of service, he retired as a Technical Sargent (E-6) from Misawa Air Base, Japan after making tons of friends, including a special friend, Randy LeBlanc.  Moving to Michigan, he settled into civilian life there for 6 years before moving to Riverview, Florida.  There he found a home doing what he liked best.  Fishing, working on golf carts, playing music at parties, (he was known as the "Music Man") and he was especially fond of playing poker with his friends.  He also drove cement truck for Titan America for many years and was known by his call sign, "Blue Knight".

Bill is survived by his children, Shannon Merrit (Duane) of Wolverine, MI, Micheal Crist of Redding, CA, Jason Martin of Lakeland, FL, and Samantha Kitchen (Micheal) of Prudenville, MI.  He also had 9 grandchildren.  Other survivors include sisters Sharon Van Winkle (David) Apache Junction, AZ, and Janice Benefield (Robert) of Riverview, FL, sister-in-law Sandy Crist (Robert) of Milwaukee, WI, and brother James Crist (Helen) of Lone Rock, WI.  Also, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, Sam and LuEtta Crist, brothers Robert Crist and Jackie Wayne Crist, and special friend Jenna Fox.  Special mention goes out to Whiteout his forever feline.