William R. Morley

William R. “Bill” Morely, 80, formerly of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wichita on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born September 12, 1932, in Atchison, the son of Dr. Aloysius R. Morley and Mardell (Patterson) Morley. He was a graduate of Maur Hill High School in Atchison, and Kansas State University. Bill joined the Air Force in December, 1950, serving in Korea during the Korean War before his Honorable Discharge in 1953. Bill spent his life assisting veterans and their families. He was employed by the Red Cross as a disaster relief manager, then became a Benefits Counselor for the VA in Wichita before transferring to the VA in Topeka where he retired in 1986. He then worked for the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs from 1987 to 1995. He was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus, and a life member of the VFW. He married Susan Hoene in St. Louis on February 25, 1967. They divorced in 2003. He is survived by a daughter, Kathleen (Luke) Rodriguez of Wichita, and a son, Michael (Rena Weston) Morley of Hays, a brother, Patrick Morley of Atchison, six grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard “Bud” Morley. A rosary will be said Friday, May 31st at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Atchison. Inurnment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas Honor Flight or St. Benedicts. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.