William Parke Hussey

William Parke Hussey was 89 years old when he died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in Lakeview Village on May 30, 2007, of lung cancer. Bill was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 27, 1918. He served in WWII as a paratrooper in the South Pacific. Upon returning, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He spent his career in sales management, working for Colgate-Palmolive and Merck. After retiring, he moved to Key Colony Beach, FL, where he was the mayor. He returned to the Kansas City area in 1985. He was an active member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, KC, MO. He participated in building houses for the Habitat for Humanity program. Bill proudly volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital for 22 years and was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" in 2001. He was a past master of the Masonic Lodge in Pittsburgh and a member of the Syria Temple. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rhoda Mears Hussey, and 3 children, Bill Jr. and wife, Linda, Overland Park, Susan Hall, Overland Park, and Lisa Reinhard and husband, Jack, Jacksonville, FL. He has 7 grandchildren that he adored, Drew and Lauren Hussey, Adam and Amanda Hall, and Sean, Neil and Jeff Dearman. Dr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Mears, brother and sister-in-law, also survive him. Cremation Memorial Services and a celebration of his life will be at 2pm Monday, June 4, 2007 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Meyer Blvd and Wornall Road, KC, MO. The family will greet friends afterwards at the church in the Jewell Room. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church scholarship fund for youth travel projects or Healthcare Odyssey Hospice. (Arr: Cremation Society of KS & MO, 913-383-9888). "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Well done, thy good and faithful servant."