William Edward Lusk, Jr.

William Edward Lusk, Jr., age 74, businessman, risk-taker, husband, father and grandfather, died at home on April 18. He started life as a very young entrepreneur at age four and then went about getting the education he needed to continue in business throughout his life. He graduated from Wichita High School East in 1961 and from the University of Kansas in 1965. He received a masters degree in accounting in 1966, also from KU. He took the Certified Public Accounting test and passed with the second highest score in the nation. Bill studied law at Washburn University, received his Juris Doctor, and passed the bar in 1970. He returned to Wichita in 1971 and soon entered the real estate development business. Over 45 years he created residential and commercial areas in Derby, Haysville, Valley Center, Mulvane, Park City, McPherson, and Hays. His patience and willingness to teach others, whether his children or his employees, knew no bounds. "The best boss I ever had" has been said by many of his employees over the years. Bill loved to travel, often to challenging locations. He enjoyed concerts, movies, and being outdoors, especially in Colorado and, always, chasing the next real estate opportunity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anita Marie and William E. Lusk, and by his brother, James Raymond Lusk. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and daughters, Alison (Karl) Leukefeld and Jessica (Mark) Scheer, as well as by his four grandchildren, Karl and Amelia Leukefeld and Fiona and Rhys Scheer. He is also survived by his sister, Janet (David) Murfin, his aunt, "BB" Faires, his sisters-in-law Judy (Bob) Schumaker and Sara (Geoff) Goyer and many friends. His family wishes to thank the many friends, nurses, doctors, and hospice workers who helped him through his short, intense illness. A service in his memory will be held at College Hill United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.. Memorial contributions may be made to College Hill United Methodist Church (2930 E. 1st, Wichita, 67214), to Music Theater Wichita (225 W. Douglas, St. 202, Wichita, 67202) or to Derby Community Foundation (P O Box 372, Derby KS 67037). Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.