William Robert Illing Jr.

1947 - 2016

William Robert Illing Jr. obituary, 1947-2016, Leawood, KS

FUNERAL HOME

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road

Kansas City, Missouri

William Illing Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 24, 2016.

CDR WILLIAM ROBERT ILLING JR of Leawood, Kansas, beloved husband, father and friend peacefully passed away at home December 22nd 2016. Memorial service will be held 10:00 am, January 20th at Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel Bldg C, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS. Interment following 2:30 pm at Ft Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Bill was born in Evansville, Il, March 2rd 1947. His family moved to St. Louis, MO, where he graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965. Bill attended The University of Missouri on a Navy ROTC scholarship and enjoyed membership in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. While at MU, he met Patty, whom he married in the fall of 1969. The newlyweds moved to Pearl Harbor where Bill was assigned to the USS Impervious. In addition, Bill worked with Vietnam veterans in the mental health field and completed his MS in Psychology at the University of Hawaii.
After retiring from active duty, he and Patty moved back to KC. Bill remained involved with the Naval Reserves. He worked for Johnson County Mental Health while finishing up his PHD in psychology at UMKC. Bill embarked on a career change accepting a position at KCPL and went on to completed his MBA at Rockhurst. Additional employment included Wolf Creek Nuclear Company, Utilities Service Alliance, Black and Veatch, and the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations. Bill embraced each new job with an enthusiasm and excitement that were a hallmark of his personality.
During his lifetime, Bill embraced many hobbies and passions with a gusto rarely seen; beer-making, music, watching Chiefs & MU football, love of dogs, painting and creating numerous Change manuals. He was an avid reader, extensive traveler and embellished storyteller. Bill was a busy and entertaining man.
Bill is survived by his wife, Patty Illing, three children, Robert Illing, Annie Williams, Malia (and Jason) Hatley, and four grandchildren, Mason, Ellie, Lilly, and Raley. Bill's laughter, optimistic outlook and witty sense of humor will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. .
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation % Rick Stauffer PO Box 221313 St. Louis, MO 63122
Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. Arrangements, McGilley
State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. 64145, (816)942-6180.

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Not sure what to say?

April 20, 2017

Friend

Mark Skuce

Mrs. Illing: I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing, which I learned of only recently. I met Bill through work when the firm I work for was a member of the Utilities Service Alliance. I remember his sharp mind and wit, and his love of family. My condolences, Mark Skuce

February 11, 2017

Dale Warman

I'm sorry we couldn't attend the service as Bill was a mentor, role model and friend to me when I went to Pin Oaks. His humor would make everyone laugh and feel comfortable. He is truly responsible for my accomplishments as he saw more in me than I did. I hope to see him again,.

February 7, 2017

Jerry Evans

Patty, I'm sorry I didn't learn of Bill's passing until today. Karin and want you to know how very sad this makes us. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you and your kids. Bill was one of my best friends. More like a brother really. I will miss him terribly even though we hadn't spent a lot of time together in the last few years. He always brought light and energy into others life including mine. No matter what we were doing at KCPL or tasks we worked on together independent from KCPL both before and after retirement he brought the creativity of a genius and the excitement of a little boy to every project and activity. I so glad I knew him.
Jerry and Karin Evans

January 22, 2017

Leslie Richards

Patty and family, Bill was a very much loved member of the 1965 class of Kirkwood High and his friends here in the St. Louis area will be very saddened to learn of his passing. He corresponded with the class and we kept up with his life. Gone way too soon, and a valued member of our group, which to this day is still very close in many ways. We have a great Kansas City area group and I'm sure they will miss him too. Blessings and condolences to you all,
Leslie Vander Meulen Richards

January 19, 2017

Ken Kelly

Bill was a generous man. Twice he shared his vast music collection (ipod) with me when my ipod was stolen. I listen to his selections everyday. I think of him.

I also recall a fun vacation with Bill, slumming it in a dive hotel in downtown Vegas, the Gold Spike. It was heaven . . . $1 well drinks at the bar and 50c beer draws. Memories.

January 19, 2017

Owen Clayton

Dear Patty and family, I met Bill while working for the Utilities Service Alliance. He was a great person, very intelligent and a great source of humor. He was dedicated to all of his work assignments and was an inspiration to many, including myself. God now has a great spirit in heaven! We will miss him until we see him again. Owen "Jay" Clayton, Omaha, NE

January 19, 2017

Terry Garrett

Dear Patty and family, I got to know Bill through my involvement with Utilities Service Alliance and while I worked an INPO. Bill was always good with organizing a group for lunch - I enjoyed several lunch outings with Bill in Atlanta. We always enjoyed Bill's stories and humor. I will miss him.

Terry Garrett

January 18, 2017

Edeen Martin

I will never forget visiting Patty and Bill and baby Malia at their home in Grandview in the early 1970's. They had just come back from Hawaii and I was about to set out for my first trip there. We laughed and talked until the wee hours of the morning and they told me exactly what to wear and buy, where to go and how to behave.
Such a loving couple to each other and all they knew.

My warmest thoughts for Patty and Bill's family.

January 18, 2017

To the family of Bill Illing,
Although I never got to know you l was best friends with Bill from the time he moved to Kirkwood through college. I want you to know how much fun Bill was back in the day. Parties exponentially become me more fun
When Bill arrived. I have so many outstanding memories of coming of age along with Bill. Football practices( we were both bench warmers),double dating, little Sherwood,our secret place in the woods where
we'd sneak cigs, New Years Eve parties at my house and listening to Bob Dylan and other folk artists together. When Bill went Mizzou
and I went to Westminster College we spent many a weekend at each other's frat houses ( I was a Sigma Chi). With all the fun aside, Bill and I had many conversations about the meaning of life. As it turned out I became a
Presbyterian pastor for the past 44 years.
Believe it or not I became the man I am
to a degree because of my relationship with Bill. I can't imagine growing up without him as a dear friend during those formative years.He was the best!
Joe Marting
KHS CLASS OF 1965

January 18, 2017

Dear Patty,
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Best regards,
Vigdis and Ron Taylor

January 17, 2017

Tom Miner

While I never knew William, I know his son Robert very well... he has been a work colleague, but more so a good friend! After reading the storyline in regard to William's life, I now can understand the flow of character and intelligence that is carried forward from Father to Son with Robert!

My prayers and condolences to the family at this time of grieving... may your memories be the best blessing you hold on to at this time!

January 16, 2017

TJ Snyder

Patty and kids - I was so saddened to see the first short obit - and was hoping it was not the shipmate, Bill...But then saw the one with the picture....I have such fond memories of Bill when we were in the SACLANT reserve unit together for many years! I called him Ill Billing. He was so smart, worked hard and had a great sense of humor! And to think I didn't know he went to Kirkwood High!! (I went to Webster Groves - big rivals..) Please accept my sympathies. He was too young.
T. J. (Bergener) Snyder, CAPT, USNR, ret.

January 16, 2017

Bruce Appel

Dear Patty, I was saddened to learn that Bill had died. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that Bill's memory will be for blessing as you and your family grieve his passing. I send all of you my deepest condolences. May your memories of the years and love your shared always be a comfort to you.With deep care and affection, Bruce Appel

January 16, 2017

Paul Klote

Patty, I am a fellow Navy Reservist and took many trips with Bill. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was always fun and kept things interesting.

I want to wish him Fair Winds and Following Seas in the hereafter and to extend you and your family my condolences.

Capt Paul Klote

January 16, 2017

Phil Malone

Patty, the Malone family wants to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss of Bill. He could light up a room with the electricity off. Our family has your family in our thoughts and prayers.

January 5, 2017

Trenetta and I are so sorry for your loss of Bill. Patty, we loved all of our many breakfasts together, our trips. There are few words at this time except we will miss Bill his laugh and his smile. Thinking of your family. Love Jerry and Trenetta

January 5, 2017

Brooks Wood

Bill was an unforgettable guy, a great friend to all of his brothers, and devoted to his country. Condolences and comfort to Patty and family. Brooks Wood, FIJI '69.

January 1, 2017

Robert Aulstin

We are so sorry for your loss, Patty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Bob and Carolyn Austin

December 31, 2016

Annie, Malia and family, Dad and I found out about the recent passing of your father. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and please let us know if you need anything.

Ken, Leslie and Jeff Nye
Leawood, KS

December 29, 2016

Paul Edwards

Bill was a great fraternity brother who always had a smile and a funny story to brighten my day. Paul Edwards '69 St. Louis, MO

December 28, 2016

Jim Kulild

Bill left us too early. He had such a passion and spirit for life and I always looked forward to our dialogues - I always learned from those discussions. May the Lord grant you strength, courage, knowledge, and wisdom as you deal with his loss. The Lord is always with you.

December 27, 2016

Debbie McCarty

Patty and family, my love and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will always remember Bill's smile. . .

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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Memorial Events
for William Illing

Jan

20

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel Bldg C

13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS

Jan

20

Interment

2:30 p.m.

Ft Leavenworth National Cemetery

MO

Funeral services provided by:

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145

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