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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