William M. Bill Buckley

Buckley, William “Bill” Mert died on July 12, 2008 at the age of 83 due to complications from prostate cancer. He is survived and dearly missed by his many, many family members and friends. Graveside service will be 9:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Kensington Gardens and memorial service following at 10:30 A.M. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Bill was born on August 11, 1924 in Wichita where he graduated from East High School. He then attended the University of Illinois before World War II interrupted his studies. Upon returning to the University of Illinois, he pledged Beta Theta Pi and obtained his degree in Industrial Engineering. On 11/15/51, Bill married Frances (Fran) Asher who preceded him in death on July 11, 2006. Their marriage was a thing of legend and was blessed by 50+ years of love, friendship, devotion and four wonderful children. Bill is survived by Kim Kadel who is married to John, Andover,Ks, Britt Buckley who is married to Angel, Colorado Springs, CO, Kay Pryor who is married to Peter, Denver, CO and Jan Buckley who is married to Bill Schnauber, Andover, KS. His grandchildren are Morgan Eggleston (Patrick) of Andover, Brice Kadel (Robyn) of Wichita, Bill Buckley of Boulder, CO, Blair Buckley of Nashville, TN, Brett Hahnenkamp of Vancouver, BC, Brian Buckley of Colorado Springs and Ali and Wes Schnauber of Andover. Bill has two great-grandchildren, Katie and John Eggleston of Andover. During his distinguished military career during WW 11, Bill served as a B-25 pilot and flew submarine patrol over the Atlantic Ocean. For approximately 10 years following his honorable discharge, he maintained his commercial flying license and continued to fly for pleasure. For 37 years from 1970 until 1997, Bill was President and owner of Buckley Roofing Company in Kansas. Some of his major projects include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, multiple large projects at Boeing, Cessna and Coleman, the WSU field house plus a variety of other buildings at WSU and numerous public schools throughout Kansas. Bill was third generation in the Buckley family and sheet metal business which was started in 1883, by his grandfather, Fred Buckley, as American Cornice Works. Back then the office was located on a dirt street named Lawrence Street which has since been renamed Broadway. Throughout his adult life Bill was committed to public service. He served on the Boards of Dold Foods and the downtown YMCA Wichita. He was a member of Rotary for 55 years, was President of Wichita Rotary in 1975 and President of Rotary Charitable Fund in 1985. He was also a founding member and President of the Wichita Crime Commission. Bill was an avid hunter and sportsman. Second only to Fran and his children, Bill loved his dogs, especially his English Pointers who were his constant hunting companions. He always kept three dogs in his house kennel and his all-time favorite was Mike who was far and away the best performer in the field. Naturally Fran, who also loved dogs, wanted to make Bills hunting dogs house pets but Bill steadfastly refused claiming that would ruin them for hunting. Naturally, Fran was not to be denied so they always had two sets of dogs, house pets and hunting dogs, all of whom they loved dearly. Bills last dog is Abby, a beautiful black lab with whom he had a wonderful companionship. Throughout their marriage, Bill and Fran shared a passion for golf. One of their goals as a couple was to play as many golf courses in the U.S. as possible. Cards were another activity they loved where, for decades, they played gin rummy for $$. A running tally was kept on the refrigerator where, according to Bill, the loser settled up whenever “Bill could get Fran to pay up.” Rumor has it that it was actually Fran who won a few bucks from Bill over the years. Bill retired on January 1, 1997. Thereafter, from late 1996 until 2004, Bill and Fran spent the winter months in their home on the 6th hole of Tucson National Golf Club. Not only did they make many new friends in Arizona, they saw and played golf with many of their old friends from all across the country. Theirs was the love affair of ages. Bill and Fran Buckley truly had a marriage made in heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Downtown Rotary Charitable Fund, 106 W. Douglas S-909, Wichita, Kansas, 67202-3308 or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, Kansas, 67202. Graveside service 9:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Kensington Gardens.