William "Buddy" Parker Armstrong
November 22, 1947 ~ August 28, 2026
Born in: Crossett, Arkansas
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
William Parker Armstrong, age 78, of Wichita, Kansas, known most by the name Buddy, passed away at home on August 28, 2026. Born in Crossett, Arkansas on November 22, 1947, Buddy lived a life marked by hard work, determination, faith, laughter, and love.
Buddy and his family lived in several places throughout the years, including Tennessee and Texas, before ultimately making their home in Kansas. Throughout his career, he wore many hats and was known for his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked in sales for several companies, including General Electric, National Sales manager at Carrier, manager of National Accounts and Regional Sales Manager Heil Quaker, Regional Sales Manager York (Coleman/Evcon), and Orkin Pest Control. Always thinking, creating, and looking for a better way to do things, Buddy also invented a solar-powered water pump and helped build Armstrong Energy LLC.
A natural builder and tinkerer, Buddy enjoyed working with his hands and researching for agriculture, geothermal heat transfer, writing, singing, and Bible study. His family will always remember him working in his shop out back, perfecting or recreating his latest inventions. He loved golfing, flying, hunting, fishing, and most outdoor sports. He also enjoyed action movies and treasured spending time with his grandchildren whenever he was able. Even when life and pain made things difficult, his love for his family remained constant.
Buddy was a Christian and carried his faith with him throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Matilda Armstrong; sister, Margaret Pillers; brother, Robert Armstrong.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Armstrong; his children, Kim Armstrong, Hope Hansen, William Parker Armstrong II, and Jessica Langvardt; his daughter-in-law, Arwa Armstrong; his son-in-law, Jess Langvardt; his sister, Mary Nance; and his cherished grandchildren, Lauren, General, Amira, Alexander, Elliana, Ryker, Bria, and Tyce.
Buddy was a true jokester who loved a good laugh and had a special talent for making any story more entertaining. Strong-willed—extremely stubborn, according to those who knew him best—and determined to do things his own way, Buddy was also a man of perseverance, integrity, and deep love. He faced life’s challenges with determination and left a lasting impression on those around him. He will be remembered for his humor, unforgettable stories, determination, and the way he loved his family. His presence and personality will be greatly missed, but the memories he created will live on for generations.
A celebration of Buddy’s life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. His family finds comfort in knowing that his pain has ended and that he is now at peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations have been established with the Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211
William “Buddy” Parker Armstrong will be deeply loved, greatly missed, and forever remembered.
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Services
Celebration of Life: Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00 am
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
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Happy Days growing up on Dunkley Drive, Houston, TX
Buddy was only a couple years older that I was; but, he was always in charge of us kids. He took the lead.
The kids on Dunkley grew up in a wonderful family atmosphere. We were all blessed to have so many friends. To name a few, the Wilsons, the Hardins, the Moores, the Armstrongs, the Bowlens, the McDougals, the Fishers, the Reeves, the Bakers, and more that I should recall; but, my 76 year old memory fails me sometimes. But, don’t ever mess with any of us because we had so many Moms growing up and they had full authority to give us a hug if we scraped a knee or paddle a butt if we were bad. We all played hard and loved each other unconditionally.
One memory I have was 11/22/1963 – President Kennedy was assassinated on Buddy’s birthday and we both cried because it was Buddy’s birthday and the day before my birthday.
RIP Buddy…so many to welcome you Home in Heaven.