William D. Hiller

William D. Hiller of Overland Park, Kansas and Gravois Mills, Missouri passed away January 26, 2014, at his home on Lake of the Ozarks following an extended illness. Bill was the only son of James Clair and Floma Fern Kennedy both of whom preceded him in death. Bill was born and spent his early childhood in McCook, Nebraska. He subsequently lived in Greeley, Colorado with his grandparents John and Agnes Hiller. He graduated from high school in Russell, Kansas. Following World War II, he settled in the Kansas City area. He married Sarah Louise Jacobs in October 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas. They enjoyed 57 years together, living briefly in Denver, Colorado and Aberdeen, South Dakota before settling in the Kansas City area. Sarah passed away in April of 2003. He is survived by all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill’s children are Sue Horner and husband Steve of Pittsburg, KS, Marcia Jett and husband Nolan of Deatsville, KY and Gerald Hiller and wife Gloria of Overland Park, KS. The grandchildren are April McKemy of Pittsburg, KS, Brian Doonan and wife Nichole of Wesley Chapel, Florida, and Matthew Hiller of Kansas City, MO. The great-grandchildren are Emily and Jacob Doonan of Wesley Chapel, FL. Additionally, 8 step-children, 10 step-grandchildren, and 15 step-great- grandchildren survive him. He and Janie Crumpacker, formerly of Camdenton, MO, were married in November 2006 in Overland Park, KS. After being part time residents of Overland Park, KS and Laurie, MO for many years, he and Janie became full time lake area residents in 2011. Bill began military service in 1943 with the Army Air Corps. Military training included Midland Radio School in Kansas City, MO, the University of Pittsburg, PA, and primary pilot training. Bill finished active duty, serving with the 315th Bomb Wing based on Guam. He participated in air operations over Japan as a B-29 radio operator. Following the war, Bill earned his commercial pilot license. Known to his FAA co-workers as Smokey, he began his career with the Civilian Aeronautics Authority in 1947, retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1980. He was stationed in Denver, Colorado, Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Kansas City. He retired as Controller Supervisor at the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe Kansas. Following retirement, he taught several Air Traffic Control courses at Oklahoma University during 1982 and 1983. Bill has been an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 27 years. He was an active member of the Lenexa Kansas and Sunrise Beach groups. His last meetings were held with the Sunrise Serenity Club at his home on the lake in his final days. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bill enjoyed being with family, a good poker or cribbage game, the Kansas City Chiefs, Oklahoma University football, and spending time at Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, February 8th, at 2:00 PM at the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

William D. Hiller

April 27, 1924 - January 26, 2014

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William D. Hiller

April 27, 1924 - January 26, 2014

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

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