William “Bill’ Eugene Debes, 81, died October 9, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. He was born July 7, 1942, in Great Bend, KS, to William N. Debes and Frances (Keeley) Debes.
Bill was a 1960 graduate of Great Bend High School, Great Bend, KS. In 1964, he graduated from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. Bill was employed with the Kansas Department of Transportation as an accounting specialist, retiring with 36 years of service.
He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, playing Bunco at the senior center, watching old western movies, playing board and card games with his grandchildren, and volunteering in the community.
Bill’s memberships included the initial council of the Knights of Columbus at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, KS #7279.
On September 20, 1969, he married Joelene Marie Hertach at the Holy Name Catholic Church in rural Bushton, KS. They shared over 54 years of marriage.
Bill is survived by: his wife, Joelene Debes of Hutchinson, KS; children, Dan (Wyndi) Debes of Wichita, KS, and Donna (Russ) Christianson of Saint Johns, FL; grandchildren, Rebecca (Caleb) Rains, Rachel Debes, Reece Debes, Riley Debes, Jessi Christianson, and Jacob Christianson; and sister, Caroline Moeder of Rose Hill, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Herman Debes.
Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October, 14, 2023, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson, KS. Burial will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Holy Name Catholic Church Cemetery, rural Bushton, KS. Friends may come for visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, with the family present at the Church of the Holy Cross.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Church of the Holy Cross, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.