William John Yorston

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Yorston, who left this world on December 5, 2025, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, service and unforgettable stories. Bill lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and a restless curiosity that shaped every chapter of his journey.

In his early years, Bill enjoyed cars and motorcycles. That same drive carried him into the United States Army, where he served 10 years with honor and discipline. After tours in Turkey, the Philippines, New Jersey and Japan, he was stationed in El Paso, Texas. He later moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico and then on to his final home in San Angelo, Texas.

A man of diverse talents, Bill worked as a draftsman, department head of Patriot Missile Systems, and owner of a cabin rental business. He sold real estate, repaired computers, and built websites. He later thrived as a professional real estate photographer, building a career defined by a deep appreciation for the power of images. His work captured moments, told stories, and allowed him to share the world as he saw it.

Bill also dedicated time to serving others beyond his own community. He made 7 mission trips to Ukraine with the Michael Gott Association. He served faithfully in Emmaus and participated in Kairos. He recently founded the faith-based Concho Valley Cancer Companion group here in San Angelo.

In his later years, Bill embraced a quieter but equally fulfilling craft: woodworking. He skillfully transformed raw pieces of wood into objects of beauty and purpose.

Bill is remembered as adventurous, artistic, hardworking, and endlessly inventive. His life touched countless people, and his memory will continue to live on in the stories he told, the work he created, and the love he shared.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Yorston; his ex-wife Riza Miller; his children Tim (Beth) Yorston, Liza (Chad) Gunter, Patrick Yorston, and Jenny (Sam) Blake. He was blessed with seven grandchildren-- Aidan Gunter, Madelin Yorston, Simon Debenedetto, Owen Gunter, Isabella Gunter, Jacob Gunter and Mary Yorston. Bill was also survived by his Minnesota family-- sister Judy (Bob) Millard; sisters-in-law Pat, Judy, and Sandy Yorston and 11 amazing nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard, Dean, and James Yorston.

A memorial service honoring Bill’s life will be held on December 20, 2025, at 11am at St. Luke United Methodist Church in San Angelo, Texas. Arrangements have been made by Harper Funeral Home. The family requests all memorial donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo, to whom they are eternally grateful. All who knew Bill are invited to celebrate a remarkable man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.