Memorial Services for Bill Van Dyke
Services will be held for Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke, Major General, USAF-ANG (Ret.), on May 7, 2026, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary and Cemetery (5801 E. Grant Road). Visitation will be held from 10:00a to 11:00 followed by a Funeral Service from 11:00a to 12:00p. A Committal Service will take place at 12:00p.
Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke, Major General, USAF-ANG (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86.
Bill was born on April 28, 1939, and was a proud lifelong Tucsonan. After graduating from Tucson High School in 1957, he attended the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He worked for several Arizona firms and, in 1967, taught second-year design at the University’s College of Architecture.
In 1961, Bill enlisted in the Arizona Air National Guard. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1965 and attended USAF pilot training at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama, where he discovered his true passion—flying fighter jets. Over a distinguished 38-year career, he logged more than 5,000 flight hours in aircraft, including the F-102, F-100, A-7, and F-16.
In 1984, Bill became Commander of the 162nd Fighter Group. During his tenure, he oversaw major construction under a Master Plan and helped establish the foreign military F-16 training mission, securing the unit’s long-term future. In 1994, he was appointed Adjutant General of Arizona by Governor Fife Symington and was promoted to Major General. As Adjutant General, he commanded more than 9,000 Arizona National Guard personnel and led the Arizona State Department of Emergency Services. He also served as an advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense on key military issues.
His many awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He was also a recipient of the Order of the Sword, the highest honor bestowed by enlisted personnel, reflecting his deep commitment to those he led. Bill retired in 1999.
Bill’s lifelong passion was building hot rods. He spent countless hours in his garage with his beloved Weimaraner, Gus. He was especially known for his 1932 roadsters, built from the frame up and featured in various car magazines. A legacy member of the Low Rollers Car Club, he was a familiar presence at local car shows. Among his favorite projects was the restoration of a 1956 Ford F-100 Big Window pickup.
Bill also loved motorsports, particularly sprint car racing, and was well known and respected in the local racing community for his contributions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Van Dyke and Doris Quint, both of Tucson. He is survived by his wife, Roberta; his children, Stacy Van Dyke of Tucson, Michaele Van Dyke of Washington Court House, Ohio, Matt Van Dyke (Alissa) of Tucson, and Jessica Moriarty (Joey) of Denver, North Carolina; stepchildren Chrissy Christoferson of Bend, Oregon, and Brian Pettepiece of Douglas, Arizona; as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712 on May 7, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a Funeral Service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Committal Service will take place at 12:00pm.
A life well lived, and he did it his way.
God bless my husband, our father, our grandfather, and our friend.