Bill Morris, was born on August 21, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Elmer A. Morris and Zelphia M. Morris. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, September 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and craftsmanship.
Growing up in a large, lively household, Bill was the seventh of sixteen children. He was known as a mischievous and inventive child—catching pigeons with corn and string and creating small firework bombs from matches and screws, which once nearly cost him a finger.
In his teenage years, Bill met the love of his life, Patricia S. Hostetter. After whistling at her one day, he learned she was friends with his sister and a little matchmaking set the stage for their lifelong romance. Their first date was at the Aladdin Theater, and in 1958, they married at Beaumont Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. It was there he would later be baptized as an outward expression of his faith in Jesus. Together, Bill and Sue raised four children: Chris, Susan, Cindy, and Sheryl.
Bill treasured family moments, one of the most memorable being a vacation to Silver Dollar City in Branson. His wife Sue made matching green and yellow outfits for the girls, and the family all picked out funny hats to wear around the park.
Throughout his life, Bill had many passions. He enjoyed watching Westerns like “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and loved hunting, collecting guns, and barbecuing the game he caught. He also had a daring streak that led him to take pilot lessons at one point. Thank God that didn’t work out!
And we can’t forget the pipe smoking days, the smell of pipe tobacco became a lasting memory for his family, evoking fond thoughts of him whenever they catch a scent.
He loved the 4th of July and always made sure it was a grand event with big boxes of fireworks to shoot off. One year, Bill and his brother-in-law, also named Bill, used red smoke bombs from the army to paint their friend Ed Wilson’s house pink. Proof that his mischievous streak never truly left him or his love of explosives.
Bill passed on his love for the outdoors to his son, Chris with whom he shared many
hunting and fishing trips, their last being only a few years ago on Randy Ackers land. Bill, at the age of 84, successfully dropped a buck on the run and field-dressed it. He also took his daughter Cindy hunting once as a child, though that trip ended in a memorable, and legally questionable, woodpecker incident.
Professionally, Bill had a natural talent for fixing and building things. With plumbers already in the family, he decided to pursue the trade himself, becoming a journeyman plumber before rising to the rank of master plumber—the first in his family. His skills were unmatched, and he never hesitated to help family, friends, and even elderly neighbors with their plumbing needs free of charge. One of his greatest attributes was generosity.
Despite his hardworking nature, Bill always found time for his family. He coached his son’s little league baseball team, attended every football game, and was known for cooking Sunday breakfast—though never by following a recipe. His hands were never idle; he built bridges, gazebos, birdhouses, and even one of their homes. For his children, he crafted wooden cradles, playhouses for the girls, and bike ramps for the boys, although Susan took a try once and well, let’s just say she didn’t try again.
Bill never truly retired. Just two weeks before his passing, he completed his last
plumbing jobs, helping his son fix a leaking shower and installing a new faucet for his beloved wife, Sue. His life was a testament to hard work, creativity, and helping others. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved him.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Elmer, mother Zelphia, four brothers, and seven sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sue; son Chris; daughters Susan, Cindy, and Sheryl; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Though it is hard to imagine life without Bill, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from earthly suffering, and in the presence of our Lord. They are grateful for the many years they were blessed to share with a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. God is good!
Bill’s celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Abundant Life Church, 1241 7 HWY, Blue Springs, MO, at 10:00am. Interment will follow at 1:00pm at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
The family asks that you remember and honor Bill by lending a hand to someone in need, just as he always did.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441