William F. "Bill" Schantz

William F. Schantz “Bill,” 75, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in Wichita KS.Bill was born on November 16, 1947 to Dorothy (Feutz) and William Emery Schantz in Kansas City MO.Bill grew up in the Westport area of Kansas City where he made lifelong friends and developed his interests in sports, music, and travel. He attended Westport High and UMKC, graduating with a degree in mathematics. At age 21, Bill left home for his first "real' job as a computer programmer for Western Electric in New Jersey. After a couple of years, Bill returned to UMKC and obtained degrees in Education and PE. He then moved to Wichita and had a great time teaching math and coaching at Derby High School until 1980. During this time he was introduced to his future wife, Carol Bacon, by a fellow teacher.He attended the University of Kansas School of Law (with Carol) and obtained his degree in 1985. He practiced law in Wichita, first with Dynatax and then with the Department of Justice. After 20 years with the DOJ, Bill retired in 2011.In 1985, Bill married Carol Bacon; their son Spencer was born in 1989. Bill was a loving husband and devoted father.In recent years, he enjoyed filling in occasionally as a substitute teacher at the Independent School. He was favorite with his students, maybe because of his habit of having rock music playing as the students arrived in class. He also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels with his good friend Lonnie.Throughout life Bill loved sports. He played and coached basketball and enjoyed playing with his friends in Kansas City. He most enjoyed teaching and coaching his young son. From an early age, he enjoyed golf, having learned the game from his father. He once traveled to The Masters with his brother-in-law, playing different courses along the way.He was an avid WSU and KU basketball fan and of course cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2017, a close friend introduced Bill to pickleball. He became an avid player, making many new friends.He loved listening to music and enjoyed making playlists of favorite songs. He surprised many with his impressive knowledge of song titles and performers from the 50's and 60's.Bill and Carol enjoyed traveling and made a number of trips to Europe, always with friends or family. His love of travel began the summer of his junior year in college. Bill and his good friend Jay spent eight weeks driving through Europe in a 1954 Hillman Minx. They purchased the car for a hundred dollars, drove it 6,000 miles, and at the end of the trip, sold it for $50.Besides many friends, he is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol Bacon; his sister, Barbara Callow of Pittsburg KS; sister-in-law, Lee Foss; and brothers-in-law, Ron Foss, Jeff Bacon, and Steve Bacon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Spencer Bacon-Schantz.Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at East Heights United Methodist Church 4407 E Douglas Ave.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels c/o Senior Services of Wichita, 200 South Walnut, 67213.Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.