William Tillotson

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

William Devillo Tillotson, age 94, passed away at 10:04 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He was born on December 29, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, son of Lorenzo Frank Tillotson and Lorene (Colley) Tillotson.

William was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, after high school he attended Missouri State University in Springfield. In the middle of his education, he went into the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After serving in the Air Force, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1958. When at the University he was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and later received an outstanding alumni award in 1987. After college he served as an Aviation Insurance Broker. He was well known and respected in his profession.

In April of 1960, he married Barbara Joan Epperson from Aurora, Missouri. They lived in Illinois and Michigan in the early years of their marriage until William transferred his job to California. They have resided in the Palos Verdes Peninsula since 1974. William and Barbara were blessed with sixty-six years of marriage and two children.

William was an avid golfer and played golf up until his passing. He also loved airplanes and was a member of an organization named Daedalians for retired pilots.

William was an amazing father and grandfather who loved his family dearly. He is survived by his wife Barbara and their two children, Robert (Tricia) and Lori. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Taylor Duffin (Patrick Duffin), Kathryn Vigdor (Mike Vigdor), Camryn Jahelka (Nikolas Sambado), Mason Jahelka, and one great-granddaughter; Hope Vigdor.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Aurora, Missouri.

Memorial gifts can be made to MSU Foundation, 300 S. Jefferson, Suite 505, Springfield, Missouri, 65806 in memory of William D. Tillotson.