Bill was born May 20, 1936 in Pleasanton, KS, where he was the oldest of 4 children. He went to be with Jesus on June 21, 2016. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Research Hospital at the age of 80. During the last week of his life he struggled with heart issues he couldn't overcome. Bill attended school in Metz, where he graduated on his birthday in 1954. He grew up in Bethel on a farm and remained there until he moved to Rich Hill in the mid-50's.
William married the love of his life, Bonnie on May 15, 1956. To this union a daughter was born, Goldie Lucille. Bill worked for Eastlands until the mid 1960's when he started Reed's Plumbing and Electric. He operated that for the next 40 years. You could easily say he as in nearly every house in town over the years or knew something about the house. You could always find Bill at the local coffee shop every morning. He also enjoyed going to auctions over the years. He ad a John Deere 435 tractor as well as a B that he loved to talk about. He thought the world was complete when his granddaughter Stacey arrived. Little did he know, years down the road his heart would be complete after the arrival of Lydia and Cooper. They were his world. You would always see him at school picking them up or taking them to practice or anywhere they wanted to go. He rarely missed a school function that involved the kids. He was always ready to go whether it was going to a concert with his granddaughter, a trip to the mall or taking the great grandkids to Branson. Something he held close to his heart was the Rich Hill 4th of July. In his 80 years, he only missed one 4th of July celebration. This year he will be in attendance, he will just be in a different seat amongst his friends in Heaven. We are certain the Pie Auction in Heaven has as many supporters as the one here.
William was on the Rich Hill fire department for 38 years. He was currently a deacon at the First Baptist Church where he served for over 20 years. If you knew him well you knew he always had a story. Whether it was picking on a girl in school or he could fill you in on the latest events around town.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 27th at 10 am at the Rich Hill First Baptist Church with burial in the Green Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday 5 to 7 pm at the Heuser Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rich Hill 4th of July fund, c/o Heuser Funeral Home.
