William "Bill" Young
August 19, 1946 ~ March 10, 2022
On Thursday, March 10, 2022 William “Bill” Phillip Young, 75 years of Wichita, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, and KSU Wildcat fan went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Bill was born on August 19, 1946 in Topeka, KS. Bill was the loving son of Merle “Bud” and Gladys Young. He went to elementary school in Morganville, KS, and then graduated from Clay Center, KS. He then attended Kansas State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. That began his lifelong love of the Wildcats and his love of the color purple. He belonged to the Delta Chi Fraternity. While at KSU, he met his true love, Kay Marie Rader, and they were wed on November 30, 1968. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 with a trip to Maui with family.
His career was working in financial institutions. He retired after 32 years in September 2007 with Commerce Bank, formerly Union National Bank.
Bill was a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir and men’s quartet for many years, attended the Growth Through Christ Sunday School class, served on numerous committees and, after he retired, worked as Aldersgate’s first Business Administrator. Not being able to sit still, Bill then worked at Downing and Lahey Mortuary. He mentored new pastors through the Great Plains UMC Transition into Ministry program. He served on the Asbury Park Board of Directors.
Bill enjoyed golf, watching sports, pickleball, meeting up with his Wednesday evening “Bigs” group, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a KSU Football season ticket holder since 1969. He was a member of the Far West Optimist Club for 39 years, serving as Secretary Treasurer most of those years, and he strived to live his life by the Optimist Creed.
His family includes his wife of 53 years, Kay of Wichita; sons Gavin William and wife Raylene of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Travis Ryan and wife Cathleen of Burbank, California; grandchildren Ella, Paige, Madison and Carson; brother, Robert married to Cheryl; brother-in-law, Byron and wife Diane; numerous nieces and nephews and bonus daughters Amy Payne, Becky Burrell and Kim Dickerson-Oard (mother of bonus grandchildren: Grace and Kenton), as well as his dog, Mandy.
Bill was known for his humor and had loving nicknames for his friends. He always looked for the best in everyone and was honest to a fault. He was known for his upbeat attitude and humor. He was deeply emotional and could be moved to tears when something touched his heart. He always loved his church and his Lord.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 15 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (7901 W. 21st St N); inurnment will follow at 2 pm at Resurrection Cemetery in Wichita. Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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Had the honor of working with Bill for several years, always a pleasant conversation and enjoyed sharing our thoughts on KSU sports. Godspeed Bill! EMAW! Doug Chartier
Bill was one of the greatest guys I’ve had the honor to work with. He was always polite, caring and has a great sense of humor. I want to extend my condolences to the family and let them know, I consider myself lucky to know Bill.
Condolences. I have know Bill since Morganville grade school days-/such a fine person
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Bill at Union National Bank in the 70’s before moving away. He was always a pleasure to be with and a great guy! I just moved back to Wichita this summer and was looking forward to seeing him again. My sincere condolences to his family and friends and I will keep them all in my thoughts and prayers Steve Thompson
Considerate, kind, a person who gave his all every day. Worked with Bill for the past few years and it was always a pleasure to see his smile. He will be truly missed God Speed my Friend, Jan and Frank
I knew Bill from his Union National Bank and Commerce Bank days. Many good memories are with me from knowing Bill. His obituary describes him to a T. He was always fun to work with as well as having good input on any issue. Will certainly miss him even though I have not not been touch recently. Many prayers and my deepest sympathy to Kay and her family. Blessings June Germann-Weldon
I was fortunate to meet and work with Bill with his involvement with the Asbury Park Board of Directors. Bill was both an astute business man and a strong advocate for the dignified care of the residents. I always felt better about things after our visits. Don Voth
Absolutely devastated to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a joy to be around personally and professionally, lighting up a room with his sense of humor or talking about his beloved Wildcats. I will miss his encouragement and company a lot. Condolences to Kay and the family. – Ren Scherling
Uncle Bill you always had a smile on your face and a quick wit. You watched me grow providing guidance and wisdom along the way. You were intelligent, boisterous, and loving. I thought I would have more time with you, but things will never be the same without your big laugh coming from the kitchen or the jokes you always had ready to tell. You loved your family (Kay, Gavin, and Travis) deeply, along with your grandchildren and extended family. Your example as a husband, father, and grandfather will live on in the people you were close to in life. You will be missed by many including my family and I. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace Uncle Bill and Go Cats! Love, Cody, Nicole, Lucas and Kate Rader