William “Bill” Dennis Coulson, of Marissa, IL; was born on the 18th of September 1937, Tilden, Illinois. Died Sunday on the 24th of May, peacefully at home surrounded by love ones. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Coulson of Marissa, his in-laws Earl and Marie Harriman of Marissa, granddaughter Jamie Marie Coulson of Virginia and his brother in-law Norman “Butch” Harriman and sister in-law Becky Harriman both of Marissa.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Earlene M., nee Harriman, Coulson of Marissa, his sons Dennis D Coulson (wife Robin) of Fletcher, Missouri, Michael Ray Coulson of Orlando, Florida, Patrick Jay Coulson (wife Elizabeth) of Stafford , Virginia, Timothy Scott Coulson of Saint Paul, Minnesota, his mother Virginia, nee Miller, Coulson of Marissa and his sister Sandra Raban (husband Charles) of Marissa. Bill is the grandpa of Travis S Coulson, Ryan M Coulson (wife Dawn), Carly (husband Ryan) Newton, Frankie N Coulson, Olivia G Coulson and Ava E Coulson. Bill is a great grandpa to Gavin M Coulson.
Bill graduated High School from the Marissa High School in 1955 and from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Bachelor of Science specializing in Electronic Engineering in 1971. Bill was in active duty for the United States Air Force from 1954 – 1955, Active duty United States Navy 1955 – 1959 and 2 years in the Navel Reserves. Bill worked at McDonald Douglas on the Gemini Space program as well as the F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet before joining the U.S State Department in 1974. Bill served at the American Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany for 3 years before returning to Washington D.C. After leaving the State Department, Bill joined the Central Intelligence Agency as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1985 where he retired in 2000.
Bill was a global traveler visiting dozens of countries. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends spending time in the woods, his exercise regiment of bicycle riding, running and overall general physical fitness. Bill loved practical jokes and teasing of his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Wounded Warriors.
Visitation: Friends may call at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and on Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 9:30 am to 11:00am.
Funeral: Services will be held at the Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 11:00am with Rev. James Ryan officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held at the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.
In the latter part of my Bureau career, it was said of me that I had good teachers.
Bill Coulson was the greatest mentor, he taught me more than of all others combined.
He will be forever missed !
Posted by: Lou Baksa – Longwood, FL – Co-worker, FBI for 11 years Aug 19, 2015
ReplyWe just received the news. We were one of Bill’s customers. One would have to look “near and far” to find a kinder and nicer person than Bill Coulson. He was a great negotiator and an excellent engineer. Have many fond memories of him. We are so terribly sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Elaine and Bill Parker – Huntington Beach, CA – work Aug 19, 2015
ReplyMy deepest condolences to the entire Coulson family.
Posted by: Erik Gibbons – CHARLESTON, SC – Friend of Tim Coulson May 30, 2015
ReplySorry we weren’t able to stay for the service. You’ll be in our thoughts.
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Douglas – Kansas City, MO May 27, 2015
ReplyTravis and Ryan &. Dawn,
Prayers go out to you and your family in the loss of your Grandfather.
Sue Holcomb
Posted by: A friend May 26, 2015
ReplyI echo Patti’s sentiments exactly and treasure the memories.
Kelly Hamilton Austin
Posted by: Kelly Austin – Highland, IL May 26, 2015
ReplyI have such fond memories of growing up with you all as neighbors. You have my deepest sympathies and are all in my prayers. With love, Patti Hamilton
Posted by: Patti Hamilton – Belleville, IL May 26, 2015
ReplySorry I am unable to be there as I am in Arizona and won’t be home until next week.Please know that you are in my prayers. Shelby
Posted by: Shelby Hamilton – Belleville, IL May 26, 2015
ReplyOn behalf of my brothers and sisters, I want to express our sympathy at the loss of Bill. We all have such fond memories of living next door to your family on Venus Drive in Twilight Terrace. You were such great neighbors to our mom and dad. And I am especially thankful to you, Bill and Earlene, for visiting our father after the death of our mother. God Bless your family!
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Posted by: Pam Ellison Kohler – Yorktown, TX – Former Neighbor and Friend May 26, 2015
ReplySorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201
Posted by: Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap. 1019 – Mascoutah, IL – Retired Federal Employee May 26, 2015
ReplyDennis,
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We wish you well.
Posted by: Kevin and Mary Pasbrig May 26, 2015
ReplyBill was a wonderful man and the father of my “brothers.” I have many fond memories of Bill and the whole Coulson Family during our years together on Venus Drive. The neighborhood was never the same after they left for Germany.
Posted by: Cindy Lou Hamilton Kaemmerer – San Diego, CA – “daughter” May 25, 2015
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Bill was a wonderful man and the father of my “brothers.” I have many fond memories of Bill and the whole Coulson Family during our years together on Venus Drive. The neighborhood was never the same after they left for Germany.
Posted by: Cindy Lou Hamilton Kaemmerer – San Diego, CA – “daughter” May 25, 2015
Dennis,
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We wish you well.
Posted by: Kevin and Mary Pasbrig May 26, 2015
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201
Posted by: Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap. 1019 – Mascoutah, IL – Retired Federal Employee May 26, 2015
On behalf of my brothers and sisters, I want to express our sympathy at the loss of Bill. We all have such fond memories of living next door to your family on Venus Drive in Twilight Terrace. You were such great neighbors to our mom and dad. And I am especially thankful to you, Bill and Earlene, for visiting our father after the death of our mother. God Bless your family!
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Posted by: Pam Ellison Kohler – Yorktown, TX – Former Neighbor and Friend May 26, 2015
Sorry I am unable to be there as I am in Arizona and won’t be home until next week.Please know that you are in my prayers. Shelby
Posted by: Shelby Hamilton – Belleville, IL May 26, 2015
I have such fond memories of growing up with you all as neighbors. You have my deepest sympathies and are all in my prayers. With love, Patti Hamilton
Posted by: Patti Hamilton – Belleville, IL May 26, 2015
I echo Patti’s sentiments exactly and treasure the memories.
Kelly Hamilton Austin
Posted by: Kelly Austin – Highland, IL May 26, 2015
Travis and Ryan &. Dawn,
Prayers go out to you and your family in the loss of your Grandfather.
Sue Holcomb
Posted by: A friend May 26, 2015
Sorry we weren’t able to stay for the service. You’ll be in our thoughts.
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Douglas – Kansas City, MO May 27, 2015
My deepest condolences to the entire Coulson family.
Posted by: Erik Gibbons – CHARLESTON, SC – Friend of Tim Coulson May 30, 2015
We just received the news. We were one of Bill’s customers. One would have to look “near and far” to find a kinder and nicer person than Bill Coulson. He was a great negotiator and an excellent engineer. Have many fond memories of him. We are so terribly sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Elaine and Bill Parker – Huntington Beach, CA – work Aug 19, 2015
In the latter part of my Bureau career, it was said of me that I had good teachers.
Bill Coulson was the greatest mentor, he taught me more than of all others combined.
He will be forever missed !
Posted by: Lou Baksa – Longwood, FL – Co-worker, FBI for 11 years Aug 19, 2015