William Joseph Clothier III Obituary
William “Bill” Joseph Clothier III passed away peacefully with his wife, Carmela Clothier by his side, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and friends on January 2, 2026 in Yuma, Arizona.
William was born on August 29, 1947 in Evanston, Illinois. He moved to Anamosa, Iowa and then to Springville, Iowa where he lived until the age of 17, when he began his service in the United States Navy. He served his country from June 1964 to January 1991 as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman providing direct medical support to the Navy and Marine Corps. He served ashore and afloat and was deployed for combat. Bill retired from the Navy in 1991 having achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO). He was very proud to be a military veteran and to have served his country.
During his service to our country, Bill fought with distinction in Vietnam and was awarded numerous commendations including the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (Sixth Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Device (Third Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.
William served in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, Washington, Arizona and California. He ultimately settled in Yuma, Arizona . Following his retirement from the Navy, he continued his commitment to service by working in his community as the Administrator of Yuma County’s AHCCCS program for Indigent Health Care.
William was raised on a small farm in Iowa and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. An avid fisherman and hunter he spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his brothers, children and grandchildren passing on his knowledge on survival skills, safety and the simple joys of nature. Bill coached his children’s baseball teams and served as their instructor for hunter safety courses. Over many years of hunting he raised and trained German Shorthair Pointers and had a soft heart for animals, welcoming any stray cat or squirrel that wandered into his backyard.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Clothier I, Margaret Clothier and Nenah Moeller; his Brothers, William J. Clothier II, and Glenn Clothier; his sons Robert Sheahan and William McCord; and his granddaughter Marissa Clothier.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carmela Clothier and his children: Stephan Sheahan (Terri), Patrick Sheahan (Mindy), Suzan Bunton (Bob), William “Billy” Clothier, Jr. (Deena). He is loved and will be missed by his brothers Jack Clothier, Jerry Clothier and Delbert Clothier and his sisters Becky Clothier and Susan Spang. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Kristen, Nichole, Sean, Jonathan, Jordon, Justine, Joscelynn, Allie, and Jaden. He will be missed by his 16 Great-Grandchildren.
We thank him for his life of service and the enriched family life he provided. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will move forward honoring his memory and the great stories, values and lessons of life he provided throughout his lifetime.
Fair winds and following seas, Dad.
Military services will be held at the Yuma MCAS Chapel on February 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am.
Please sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Joseph Clothier III (Yuma, Arizona), born in Evanston, Illinois, who passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of William Joseph Clothier III to pay them a last tribute.
Though William has departed this earthly realm, their legacy endures — a legacy of love that will continue to illuminate the lives of family and friends in the darkest of hours. May their spirit soar on wings of eternal peace, forever cherished in the tender embrace of memory.
The military honors will be held on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 10:00 AM at the MCAS Yuma (, Yuma, Arizona 85365).
