William "Bill" Nesbitt, 82, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was born April 9, 1943, to Robert Nesbitt and Barbara (Harmon) Nesbitt.

A lifelong resident of Springfield, Bill graduated from Central High School and Southwest Missouri State University. Following graduation, he enlisted and served two years drawing topographic maps in the 29th Engineer Battalion of the Army Corp of Engineers, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. During this time, he faithfully "defended the shores of Waikiki from foreign aggressors" and met his first wife, Joyce Nagamine. In 1977, Bill founded Nesbitt Construction focusing on commercial and residential construction and remodeling. Under his guidance and determination, the company completed many notable projects throughout Southwest Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In its 48th year, the company continues building commercial projects across Southwest Missouri under the ownership of his son Michael.

Regardless of his business accolades, Bill's greatest accomplishment was the raising of his two sons, Craig and Michael. Whether coaching their youth teams, or traveling to gymnastics meets and soccer tournaments as they excelled, Bill was always there to support Craig & Michael no matter the outcome. Being the first in his family to graduate college, Bill was an ardent proponent of education and would pridefully mention his sons' first-class education and scholarships from Stanford University (Craig, gymnastics) and Westminster College (Michael, soccer).

In 2013, Bill married Debbie Preston and found joy in traveling, attending sporting events, concerts, and local fundraisers together. As he and many others would say, Debbie did an excellent job in keeping Bill "off the streets and out of trouble."

Between family and work, Bill supported numerous causes as a member or board member of local organizations: Springfield Symphony Orchestra; Springfield Downtown Rotary Club; Springfield Contractor's Association; Construction Specifications Institute of SWMO; Lake Country Youth Soccer; and Springfield Chamber of Commerce (to name a few).

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce Nagamine-Nesbitt, and stepson Christopher Preston.

He is survived by his wife Debbie Preston-Nesbitt, two sons Craig (wife Tara), Michael (wife Andrea), and stepson Jay Preston; and his five grandchildren Sydney & Jordan (Craig & Tara), and Quincy Nesbitt, Abe Deckard & Calvin Deckard (Michael & Andrea).

"To make a long story short" Bill loved his family, work, and the social interactions of everyday life. Always quick with a joke or story to tell, Bill's outgoing and joyful attitude will be missed by many across the community.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole, Springfield MO. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. https://givebutter.com/ssodonation