1926
2018
Bill Webster, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2018.
Bill was born Billy Robert Webster son of Robert Lee and Laura Emma (Matthews) Webster on December 26, 1926 in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1945. He married the love of his life, Delaverne Burgoon, on June 10, 1946. Bill and Delaverne enjoyed 57 blissful married years. They traveled the world visiting several countries and continents together. Delaverne proceeded Bill in death on September 5, 2003. Also proceeding him in death were his parents, a half-brother Norman Johnson, and his sister Betty George.
Survivors include four daughters: Jane Webster, Lawrence; Terri Webster (Kirk Wiesner), Leawood, Kansas; Nancy Lahm (David), Lawrence; and Robin Levra (Craig) of LaCanada, California; six grandchildren: Jacob Webster Lahm (Lisa), Candice Lahm, Jay Wiesner (Erin), Alex Webster, Chase Levra and Samantha Levra: and three great grandchildren: Ethan Jacob Lahm, Kathleen Wiesner and Julia Wiesner. He also leaves behind his friend for the past several years, LouAnn Adams of Lawrence, and his personal assistant and one of his best friends of more than 47 years, Charlotte Sparkes. Bill was a very loving and kind man and was loved and cherished very much by his wife and four daughters, and will be truly missed.
Bill served in the United States Army during WWII. He was employed by Lawrence Paper Company from 1943-1967, and owned and operated the Westview Motel. Bill worked in the Manufactured Housing Industry for over 51 years, owning Bob and Bill's Home Sales, Webster's Mobile/Modular Home Sales, and numerous mobile home parks. He bought and sold numerous pieces of Real Estate throughout the years. He was a member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Kansas Freemasons Lodge #6 for 65 years, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J. USA, member of the American Legion for 70 years, and a member of Shriners International for 65 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Lawrence National Bank and Trust Co., a Board Member of the Better Business Bureau of Topeka, and Board of Directors of Quail Unlimited for 20 years. Bill was very well respected in the business community being inducted into the Kansas Mobile Home Industry Hall of Fame in 1998, and the National RV/Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame in 2005. He also served as Kansas Representative for Manufactured Housing at the National Level for many years. Bill was a long-time member of the Lawrence Country Club, and charter member of Alvamar Country Club. Bill had a passion for his family, making a great business deal, and of antique cars having acquired an impressive collection over the years.
Bill enjoyed dancing, playing cards with friends, and was a country music fan. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the privilege of hunting with several generations of his family - his dad, son-in-law David, grandson Jacob, and great-grandson Ethan. Bill hunted pheasant, quail, moose and wild boar, and loved to hunt on the Kings Ranch in Texas. He also had the pleasure of watching home videos and talking family history with his grandson Alex. Bill loved to travel, with Mexico being his favorite destination spot going once or twice a year every year for the past 48 years. Bill was a member of the Lawrence Kennel Club for many years, and was fortunate to show and own Champion Brittany Spaniels.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made to Visiting Nurses of Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday , July 12th from 6:00-8:00 pm and graveside services will be held Friday, July 13th at 9:30 am at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Online condolences at rumsey-yost.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So many great memories Charlie Stone and i with Bill,LouAnn,and our group in Acapulco and our Saturday night dancing, prayers for his family,and LouAnn.
Rea Baxter
July 16, 2018
Our deapest condolences to all Bill's family and close friends. Bill was my Dad's (Dale (Anderson) first cousin whom we lost in 1980. Bill was my Mother's high school friend and thru him, my Mother (Alice Boener Anderson) met my father. Bill and Delaverne and my parents always kept in touch from Kansas to California by sending a cardboard box piece back and forth same time every year with updates from the prior year. We will miss his updates via phone nowadays! My Mom, now 92 will miss her high school and long time friend. He will be missed by all of our family.
Gayle Gidley
July 15, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Bill's family and LouAnn. I was sadden to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a wonderful, generous man. My parents, Bill and Delaverne traveled and spent many wonderful times in Acapulco. They always had such a great time. When I moved to Florida, Bill would always call me just to check in with me. He will be missed by many people.
May God grant each of you peace and comfort with your many memories of your dad, grandfather and friend.
Connie Laughlin-Bishop
July 13, 2018
Deepest condolences to the family. Bill was a delightful gentleman.
Yvonne Brownell
July 12, 2018
Billy was a great breath of fresh air. He brought with him so many jokes, smiles, laughter, and peace. I always enjoyed being his favorite ENT nurse. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family and Lou Anne. I will miss the jokes, the pictures of the family hunting trip, the stories of the trips to Mexico, and can not forget the stories of dancing all night. Billy was positive no matter what news he had just heard. He gave me strength and wisdom during my recovery from Leukemia. I am blessed to have as much time as I did with Billy. I will miss you here on earth but look forward to seeing you again in Heaven.
Candice Drake
July 12, 2018
Terri,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Judy Riling
Judy Riling
July 12, 2018
My deepest sympathies to the family. I enjoyed seeing Bill around town every now and then over the years, and sharing a laugh...
Valerie Farley Moreau
July 12, 2018
Patti Garrett
July 12, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with all he touched and cared for so deeply! He was very kind to my daughter I am happy she was able to know such a strong kind man! Keeping LouAnn in my prayers always but especially now.
Beckie Sams
July 11, 2018
Terri, Kirk and family - So sorry to hear about your Dad, know he was a wonderful, kind man. Thinking of all of you! Rick & Terri Hughes
July 10, 2018
Sorry to learn of Bill passing. He was a wonderful man. Bob and myself and our family thought so much of Bill. H was truly a wonderful person. I didn't have the pleasure of talking with him much lately, but he was always in my thoughts. I know Bob and him will meet again where ever they are and have lots of jokes to tell each other.
Mary Rogers
July 10, 2018
a loved one
July 10, 2018
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father/grandfather/friend. My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Rhonda Banks
July 10, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, most sincere condolences to his daughter's, and to LouAnn, I was fortunate enough to meet up (with Suzanne Adams Sharp) with Bill and LouAnn to - dance several years ago, he was remarkably light on his feet, I hardly recall not knowing the Webster's, my heart is with all who loved him so dearly.
Julia Gregg-Ingrassia
July 10, 2018
RIP Larry & Jessica Devers, Las Cruces, NM
July 10, 2018
We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was a kind and generous man and will be missed very much.
July 10, 2018
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