William S Dunton, II

Feb. 5, 1931 - March 25, 2024

Saratoga

William S Dunton, II, of Saratoga, CA, died peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 93.

Bill was born to Algernon Piercy and Leona Elizabeth (Peterson) Dunton in Rolla, Missouri. He grew up in Overland, Missouri and graduated at the age of 16 from Ritenour High School. Bill went on to attend the University of Missouri, Columbia. There he was in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, ROTC, and played football as a linebacker and center for the Mizzou Tigers under Don Faurot. He graduated in Business/Economics. Following his graduation, he was a Lieutenant in the US Air Force and served as a Personnel Officer in Germany for two and a half years. During that time, he was able to ski the Alps, climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and visit the surrounding areas. Upon his return, he was a personnel manager for Nat Monarch, in St. Louis.

When visiting his sister in the hospital, she introduced him to her nurse, Rita, who would become his wife and constant companion for the rest of their lives. Bill and Rita were married in 1960 and moved to Ohio when he became interested in computers and accepted a job with Philco Ford. He and Rita moved several times across the country before landing in California when Bill accepted an offer at IBM, first in Long Beach in 1963 and finally settling in Saratoga in 1971.

During his tenure at IBM, Bill was a Systems Engineer assigned to an account at Autonetics, where he contributed to an Apollo moonshot. He was always in the 100% Club for Sales and well respected by the customers he supported. He later moved into development where he was involved with Data Dictionary, DB2, and DFSMS. He retired in 1991.

An active participant in his community, Bill was a Cub Master and later a Scout Master and earned the Order of the Arrow. He managed Little League teams for several years and then was Head of Umpires for the league. He taught 8th Grade Sunday School and volunteered at Camp St Andrew’s when Rita served as camp nurse. He co-chaired the Saratoga Music Boosters with Rita.

After retirement, Bill joined the South Bay Striders walking club where he wrote the club newsletter and then served as club president. He was very interested in genealogy and became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution where he handled the essay contest for scholarships for the local chapter.

Bill and Rita took many cross-country road trips to visit family and extended family and friends.

Anyone who knew Bill knew of his integrity, fierce loyalty, commitment, and his fondness for his toy poodle, Princess.

Bill is survived by his three children: Tina (Tyler) French, Cheri Dunton, William (Lori) Dunton; and two grandchildren: William and Lydia Dunton. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by Rita, his loving wife of 63 years, his sister Clara Jo, and his brother Don.

The family is tremendously grateful for the loving care provided by Lord Bonifacio. Bill will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His wit, intelligence, dedication, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be remembered and cherished forever.

Services will be held at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills in Los Gatos. Please contact the office at (408) 354-7740 for date and time.