Bill was born in Limon, Colorado to Charlie and Dorothy Elston on February 3, 1948. He passed away on September 21st, 2024 in Pasco, WA. He moved with his family to Benton City in 1957. He graduated from Ki-Be High School in 1966. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the Army and severed in Viet Nam where he received a purple heart and returned back to Benton City for the remainder of his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter Chelan. He is survived by his daughter, Jody Bayardo and grandson Miguel, stepchildren Roger & Mary Phelps, Eddie & Dallas Roberts, and Kiel Burford.

Bill is survived by his siblings & nieces and nephews, Dorothy (Dale) Hansen, Mary (Larry – deceased) Coates, children Tim & (Tracy – deceased), Wayne (Hanny) Elston, children Wayne Jr & Aaron, and Nettie (Mike) Watson, children Matt Heath & Mark Watson.

He was a hard worker who had a great love for old cars and inspired many young people to begin car collections.

“Petal to the metal

all the way through life.

In the end it’s not the years

in your life that count,

it’s the life in your years.”