William Vernon Staggs, 94, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017 in Snoqualmie, WA. Bill was born February 1, 1923 in Steffenville, Missouri. He was 2nd oldest of 20 children born to Harold and Addie Staggs. His family moved to Omak, WA where he met Marjorie Grimm at a dance where her family was the band for the occasion. Bill joined the Marines in 1942 and served in the First Marine Division in the South Pacific. He was discharged in April 1946 and returned to Omak where he and Marge were married on June 9, 1946. Bill and Marge moved to Spokane where their daughter, Sheri, was born. Soon after, the family moved to Odessa where daughter Jean and son Jack were born. They made their forever home in Snoqualmie.

Bill worked as an auto mechanic in both North Bend and Issaquah and, later, worked for the Snoqualmie Valley School District as the head of maintenance and transportation. He spent many years as a volunteer fireman at the Snoqualmie Fire Department and also on Snoqualmie City Council. He and Marge retired in 1981. They spent winters in Yuma, Arizona where they made many friends and traveled to Mexico. Bill loved being outdoors. He was an avid fly fisherman, loved camping, traveling and wood carving. It was not uncommon to see Bill around town on one of his several daily walks.

Bill took great pride in his years of service to our country as a Marine. He attended many Veteran’s Day assemblies at schools in the Snoqualmie Valley where his great-grandchildren attended. In October 2014, he was chosen to join a group of WWII veterans on a trip to Washington D.C. through Honor Flight. During this trip he saw the WWII Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and many other historical points of interest.

He was preceded in death by Marge, his wife of 66 years. He is survived by his daughters Sheri Olson (Lance), Jean Christensen (Bob), and son Jack Staggs; grandchildren Chris Olson (Ilivy), Bill Olson(Jennifer), Amy Cassady (Ed), Leah Harrison (Ryan), Bubba Christensen (Sarah), and Jennifer Staggs; great grandchildren Robbie and Brad Christensen, Sal Francisco, Vera and Fiona Harrison, and Taylor Olson.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances to Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland.

A graveside gathering with military honors will be held at 3pm, Friday, December 1, 2017 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. A gathering will follow at Snoqualmie City Hall 4:30-8pm.

Friends are invited to view photos, get directions and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com. Flintoft’s Funeral Home, 425-392-6444.