Bill Webster Obituary

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.