William Toliver

William "Bill" Toliver was born on April 14, 1923 in Vaughn, New Mexico. He passed away on March 22, 2016 in Clovis, New Mexico at nearly 93 years. He was one of three children born to James and Ollie Toliver. His father was a Roadmaster for the Santa Fe Railroad, and Bill worked for the railroad during the summers. He attended New Mexico State University (then known as New Mexico A&M), where he majored in civil engineering. Bill was active in ROTC and enlisted as soon as he could. He was a wonderful example of "The Greatest Generation".

Bill attended Officers Candidate School and prepared to go to war. He had already met the love of his life, Lillye Alexander, in Clovis, and they were married on January 19, 1944. Shortly after, he became part of the 289th Army Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, Company M, heavy machine gun platoon.

Bill served in three major campaigns in Europe, as a platoon commander, and guided his men through the Battle of the Bulge, the Ruhr Valley, and the taking of Colmar Valley. They were the heavy machine gunners, who were often sent in ahead to lay down heavy fire to clear areas before the other divisions moved in. He said that winter and poor weather were often the worst enemies. Bill cared for his men and considered them friends. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and was awarded two Bronze Stars with valor.

Bill returned home to his wife and baby girl in 1946, and they began a wonderful life together. Bill and Lillye's second daughter was born in 1952, and their family was complete.

As Bill pursued a successful career as a civil engineer, they lived in many interesting places and traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. He was chosen by his company to attend the Institute of Business Economics at the University of Southern California, and the family ultimately lived in California for several years. They also lived in Chicago, but returned home to Clovis in 1985, when Bill retired, to care for Lillye's parents.

Bill was an avid golfer and was a member of the New Mexico Senior Golf Association. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3280, and he was a member of the Masons, Clovis Lodge #40. He attended 21st Street Church of Christ with his family. He was also a great bridge player.

Above all, he loved and cared for his family. He was their rock; their hero. Bill was a quiet man, but he was a man you could count on in difficult times. Bill is survived by Lillye, his wife of 72 years, one daughter, Jan Toliver Cox, two granddaughters, Carrie Cox Geisler (John), and Nellie Lillye Toliver, one great granddaughter, Tanner Alexandra Geisler, and one sister, Iris Toliver Nash (Doyle).

His daughter, Susan Jean Toliver, his parents, James and Ollie Toliver, and his brother, James Toliver, preceded him in death.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at Lawn Haven Cemetery, on Friday, March 25 at 10:00 AM. Services will be conducted by Michael Harmon, minister at 16th & Pile Church of Christ. Please honor William Toliver with a donation to your favorite charity.

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