William “Bill” (Pancho) Titus

William “Bill” (Pancho) Titus

July 4, 1950—Oct. 12, 2026

Bill experienced a difficult childhood in Los Angeles, California and joined the Army at the age of 17. He was trained as a radarman but upon arriving in Vietnam was assigned to a LRRP unit. For the next 15 months his only thought was survival. 

He returned from Vietnam as a highly decorated veteran, but as was common at the time amongst disillusioned vets, he threw all his medals away. The one medal he saved and was proud of was the CIB (Combat Infantryman's Badge).

Upon discharge from the Army, Bill moved to eastern Oregon and began a successful career as an auto mechanic and married Marlene. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of engines, guns and anything mechanical.

Bill and Marlene moved to the Astoria area early in the 1980s and started a restaurant called Pancho Villas in Uppertown, Astoria, Oregon. By all accounts it was a very good Mexican restaurant, but his personal life was not going well. Soon the restaurant closed and Bill and Marlene were divorced.

He was referred to the VA for help. Bill was reluctant to have anything to do with the VA, but in time accepted help. The professionals treating him all agreed that his was the worst case of PTSD they had ever encountered! They also agreed that the only reason he had survived this long was that he eschewed drugs and alcohol. With 100% disability and professional help he was able to begin to recuperate.

Bill began flying lessons and as with everything he attempted, he was an excellent pilot. He soon bought a small plane (Cessna 150) and spent many hours flying. He flew many hours at night because it was peaceful and he was away from many triggers abundant in everyday life.

During a trip with a friend, he happened upon some land in Montana that was isolated and suited his desire to not be surrounded by the bustle of everyday life.

Late in the 1990s he sold his airplane, gathered his belongings and moved to Montana. This was to be his home until his death from cancer.

Despite his severe case of PTSD, he was able to attain a sense of peace and satisfaction that had so long eluded him. One thing that he did long for that he did not have was family. He did have a cadre of friends and veterans that understood and loved him. 

He will be sorely missed. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.