William Franklin King, 78, died at home surrounded by family on July 2nd, 2021. Bill was born on May 25th, 1943 in Waukee, Iowa to Claude and Esther King.
When Bill was a child the King family moved from Iowa to Wichita, where Claude worked for the Wichita School System as a window glazer. In 1959, Bill met the love of his life, Nancy Harrison, while working as a sacker at the Razook’s grocery store. On December 1st, 1960 Bill married Nancy. They had two children, Polly and Jeff. Tragically in 1967, Nancy’s mother died and Bill took Nancy’s younger siblings, Roger and Kristine, into his family and raised them as his own.
Bill was always a hard worker and had a variety of skills. He spent years of his life working in the meat processing industry which took him to different towns in Kansas, including Jewell, Ingalls, and Wichita. He retired as a welder from Adco industries in Hesston. But his favorite job, early in his life, was working as a supervisor making blueprints. But the $1.50 an hour they were paying him wasn’t enough so he decided to quit.
Bill lived the last years of his life on a farm outside of Halstead. Bill was a people person and he never met a stranger. He loved his family and pets and working on projects in his shop. He always had a laugh and a twinkle in his eye, that drew people to him. He was reliable, full of common sense, and knew how to have a good time. He could be onery and it took years for cancer to finally win the battle. He enjoyed life and fought until the end.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Esther King; brother, Major King; Sister Wilma Foster; and nephew/son, Roger Harrison.
He is survived by his wife Nancy; brother Tom King, who is currently very ill; his daughter Polly (Tim) Douglas; son Jeff (Tami) King; niece/daughter Kristine (Craig) Robinett. Granddaughters Amy and Ashley Douglas; Great granddaughters Haeley and Brooklyn. He had many nieces and nephews many of whom considered him a grandpa and a hero.
A celebration of life will be held at the Halstead Park in the Fall. Date to be determined.
Memorials may be designated in his memory to:
Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 SE 3rd, Newton, KS 67114
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita KS 67202
Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.