Obituary of William Engel

William Newman Engel, age 97, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Devoted husband of the love of his life, the late Joy Engel (nee Glennon), loving father of Jill Tulchinsky (Terry), Billy Engel (Robbie), and the late Jeanne Engel, caring grandfather of Spring Whitney, Michael Tulchinsky, Melissa Tulchinsky, Olivia Engel (Emanuel), and Clarissa Engel, great-grandfather of Tyler, Bella, Joey, and Anna, and great-great grandfather of Aubrey, beloved uncle of Chuck Doolittle (Maxine), John Doolittle (Kimberly), cousin of Alan Engel (Sondra), step-brother to Marvin (deceased) and Myrna Steinlauf and Harvey Steinlauf (Judy), Bill treasured family above all else. He was a friend to many, and as a gentleman of integrity, compassion, curiosity, and loyalty, he was an outstanding support to and role model for us all. Bill was born in Chicago, IL on October 9, 1923, to Toby and Shirley Engel. Along with his father, brothers and uncles, Bill enjoyed a youth full of great activity. His family included writers, inventors, artists, designers, and great thinkers; Bill evolved into a true renaissance man as a photographer, musician, woodworker, designer, life-long learner, aeronautical/aerospace engineer and world traveler. Bill served in the Army and the Army Air Corp (which became the Air Force) during World War II. In 1948 he married Joy Glennon in Chicago (although not sweethearts then, they had known one another since high school) and started a family. After a short time, Bill accepted a job in Indianapolis, IN. Together with their dear friends, the Roudebushes, they were founding members of the All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis. After living and working in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis for a tool and die firm, jet boat company, and aircraft parts manufacturer, he accepted a position as an aeronautical design engineer with McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing,) and moved to Creve Coeur MO with his wife and 3 young children. Bill worked for McDonnell-Douglas for 20+ years as a senior designer and manager on many different projects, notably the Gemini space program and Vitek, an automated, computerized medical diagnostics system. Bill served many years as a trustee on his subdivision board, and he enjoyed taking and teaching photography classes and workshops. His photographs, developed and edited in his own darkroom, were widely published, notably as Missouri Botanical Garden postcards, in The Guidepost magazine, in travel guides and calendars, and in inspirational books such as Bright Tomorrows. In his extensive woodworking shop, he designed and built beautiful pieces including ornate wall hanging display cases, furniture and lathe-turned candlesticks. He and Joy were the perfect team. They were big Cardinal fans and enjoyed dining out, camping, traveling, reading, theater, the symphony, and dancing. Joy was an incredible cook and baker. Bill loved to tell stories and share jokes (he was a punster extraordinaire). His extended family has many cherished memories of casual gatherings, holidays, and birthday celebrations together. When gazing at a beautiful photograph, walking in the forest, dancing with a loved one, laughing and joking at the dinner table, traveling to a new destination, spending time with precious family, or just enjoying the day and the moment, those who knew and loved him will remember that twinkle in his eye, as well as his warmth, sense of humor, generosity, and gentle, fun-loving nature. The family is planning a private celebration of his life. Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be sent to the Unitarian Universal Service Committee (uusc.org) or to the charity of your choice.