Mr. William Allan Nunamaker, age 43, lost his hard-fought battle with brain cancer on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, after being diagnosed a little over one year ago. He was born on Sept. 27 1976, and lived in Wheaton, Illinois. Mr. Nunamaker was the assistant principal for building and operations at Oswego High School since 2012, also serving as OHS’s activities director.
As a champion of extracurriculars, Mr. Nunamaker understood the importance of after-school activities for students, managing to keep and introduce many new clubs despite the district’s budget crisis.
In his free time, Mr. Nunamaker was an artist, enjoying sketching and competing in local art competitions, which showed in his advocacy for the arts at OHS. He was also a fan of boxing and sumo wrestling.
Principal Mike Wayne sent an email to Panther families on Jan. 12, announcing Mr. Nunamaker’s passing.
“Mr. Nunamaker joined our Panther Family seven years ago and quickly became a valued and respected leader, mentor and huge Panther supporter,” Wayne stated in the email. “He was a very honest, dependable and caring individual who always had our students’ best interest at heart.”
Mr. Nunamaker was battling brain cancer while continuing to work hard for students at OHS, a true demonstration of his bravery and commitment to the Oswego community.
“Bill will always remain a Panther in the hearts of many, and his positive influence and loyalty to our school will forever be woven in the fabric of OHS,” Mr. Wayne also stated in the email.
Mr. Nunamker began his education career at Farragut Career Academy in 2003 and later went on to become an assistant principal at Plainfield East High School. He started working at OHS as assistant principal in 2012.
Mr. Nunamaker attended Northeastern University Illinois in Chicago and received his bachelor’s degree in English Education. He also received his master’s degree in Education Administration from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
Mr. Nunamaker is survived by his wife, Michelle Morris; his parents, Larry and Linda; sister, Sue, and mother and sisters-in-law and their families; as well as his dog, Furley.
A time of remembrance will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2019 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, Illinois, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Donations in honor of Mr. Nunamaker can be made to the American Brain Tumor Association Harley Helping Hands, or The Art Institute of Chicago.
