William Hugh Worley

William H. "Doc" Worley, a man known for his sharp business acumen, wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community, passed away at the age of 82 on December 7th, 2024. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Born in Raytown, Missouri, to William and Kathryn Worley, Doc was the youngest of three children and the only one to survive past infancy. As a result, his family took extra precautions, carrying him around until the age of two—a detail Doc often joked set him up for a lifetime of being the center of attention.

Doc’s business legacy is defined by his influential work in publishing and environmental science, as well as his significant contributions to shaping the Kansas City business landscape. His entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age when, as a boy, he sold chickens after church to buy his first bicycle. In college, he ran a summer fireworks stand in south Kansas City, but soon recognized the competition was fierce. Determined to succeed, he secured the rights to multiple locations for the following summer, greatly expanding his business.

A veterinarian by training who received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Mizzou, Worley earned his nickname “Doc” fresh out of school. After Mizzou, Worley opened six clinics and explored other entrepreneurial ventures. From 1968 to 1984, he served as a director and minority owner of Midland Bank in Lee’s Summit before it was sold. He later became Chairman of the Board for the Bank of Kansas City.

In 1982, Worley and his business partner co-founded the Kansas City Business Journal, the prototype for what would become the world’s largest group of weekly business newspapers. Their company, American City Business Journals, grew rapidly, starting or acquiring 36 publications across the U.S., from Honolulu to Rochester, New York, before going public in 1985. Throughout his tenure, Worley held several key roles, including publisher, president, and chairman.

Worley’s accomplishments are so extensive, we’re not sure if we should list them all or just say, "He did everything." From owning fast food restaurants and public storage units to leading the nation’s largest chain of one-hour photo stores, residential developments, and a host of civic and environmental organizations, his impact was undeniable. He served as president of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, the Lee’s Summit Hospital Association, the Kansas City Port Authority, the TIF Commission, and the Kansas City Redevelopment Authority. For 20 years, he chaired the Jackson County Industrial Development Authority and was a major force in both healthcare and environmental science, founding Kingston Environmental Services and leading Alpha Environmental Biosystems. He also served on boards from St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. One of Doc's greatest honors was serving as Senior Warden at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

In 1995, Worley represented Missouri at the White House Conference on Small Business, and in 2003, he was named the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Business Regional Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2014, he was honored as a Kansas City Business Legend by Ingram’s magazine—a fitting tribute to a man who often joked he graduated from "Raytown Country Day."

Worley met his wife, Libby, and they were married in 1977. Both animal lovers, they fostered and raised countless dogs, cats, and horses over the years. Together, they also raised children—Worley’s children from his first marriage, Ward, Susan, and Sara, as well as their daughter, Alexis.

A lifelong Kansas Citian and a Royals season ticket holder since the 1970s, Worley passed on his love of baseball to his family, with his legacy continuing through the "Doc Worley" seats at the stadium.

What most people will remember about Doc was his unshakeable optimism, deep love for his family, and an endless list of loyal friends. His warmth, humor and indomitable spirit leave an enduring mark on everyone who knew him.

Dr. Worley is survived by his wife, Libby; his children Ward (Meghan) Worley, Susan (Gary) Shartzer, Sara Worley, and Alexis (Josh) Lebowitz; and his grandchildren Matt, Skylar, Max, Carson, Will, Weston, Alex, Evan, Ellie, Will, Drew, Hank and Lucy. He also leaves behind a large extended family and a wide circle of friends who will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and ability to make life enjoyable for everyone around him.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (located at the corner of Wornall and Meyer Blvd.) in Kansas City on Friday, December 13th, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church or St. James United Methodist Church.

Doc will forever be remembered for his strength, humor, and “attitude of gratitude”.