1949 – 2016

LEWISTON — William Rodney Storman, “Bill,” 67, of Lewiston passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, from an aggressive onset of cancer. He was at home with family by his side.

William was born July 20, 1949, in Lewiston, to Karl and Joan (Jenness) Storman. He was the oldest of five children. His siblings are Sheila (Storman) Remillard, Donna (Storman) Estey, Ronald Storman and Sandra (Storman) Hinkley. His early education was in the Oxford Hills area. His family moved to New Gloucester when he was a freshman in high school and he graduated from Gray-New Gloucester High-School in 1968. He attended Lancaster Bible College in 1999 and took courses at Kennebeck College.

William was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he had the opportunity. He received numerous awards during his lifetime for archery, rifle marksmanship and showing his coonhounds. He applied for and waited 30 years before being drawn for a moose permit! Since that first time, he has been on five moose hunts and he was planning on one more this October.

In 1970, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry as a heavy artillery machine gunner during the Vietnam War. He served courageously and was recognized with an Army Commendation Medal of Honor as well as many other service awards. He ended his service as an Sp4. His homecoming from the war was hateful and heartbreaking. Because of being part of this time in history, he suffered lifelong residual effects that impacted his family. When he began a relationship with Jesus, healing slowly took place and his feelings of betrayal and anger were replaced with love and compassion. The Vietnam Veterans of America 1044 was a tremendous help in this process as well. Thank you guys.

After completing his tour of duty, he married Karen Marie Colby on Jan. 8, 1972. He always said Grisly Adams married Cinderella! They were blessed with five children, Charity Kathryn (Storman) Cloutier, Karl Jacob Storman, Rodney Joshua Storman, Melyca Jewell (Storman) Watermen and Elizabeth Joy (Storman) Brule. They have 15 grandchildren, with one on the way, and one great-grandchild. His family was a source of great joy and comfort.

William held a wide variety of jobs during his lifetime. He worked in retail, shoe shops, a lumber mill, technology development, and the mental health field. He concluded his working years as a driver’s education instructor. During his time of employment, he also became a notary public, registered maine guide and started a taxidermy company which he did part time. Bill and Karen along with friends Blaine and Maria Whitney started Galilee House, a homeless shelter that helped people transition to their own home. He was also a part time pastor for three years.

Wherever Bill attended church, he was an active participant. One of the highlights of his life was a missions trip with Pastor Frank Jewett to Croatia and South Africa. Stories of danger and God’s protection are now family memories. The last seven years, he was a member of Bible Believing Baptist Church in Gray. He served as trustee, Sunday School teacher and choir member. Because he had trouble singing bass, a new category called “melody people” was developed!

Bill’s wife and “children” are very thankful for all the care and support received during the last few months of his life. It was a great joining together of many people and made this last part of his earthly journey very precious.

When we asked him what to write in his obituary he said, “Keep it simple.” We could write much more. This is it in a nutshell.