Bill R. Spencer Bill R. Spencer of Lenexa, KS died November 24, 2019 in Lenexa, KS. He was born November 4, 1932, in Eldon, MO and graduated from Chanute High School in Chanute, KS. After graduating from Chanute Jr. College, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Waccamaw and USS Wyandot during the Korean Conflict. After an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Pittsburg State University, earning B.S. and M.S. degrees in Education. Bill married Iris Barsby in Chanute in 1956. They lived in Parsons, Overland Park, and Manhattan, KS where he served as a school administrator. Bill received his Ed.D from the University of Kansas and served as President of Allen County, Highland, and Kansas City, KS Community Colleges. He was a member of Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, KS. He served on the boards of various community organizations over the years and was an avid tennis player well into his seventies. Having played basketball throughout high school and junior college, Bill also enjoyed attending KU basketball games. Surviving are his wife, Iris, and daughters Anne Atkinson (Rob) of Lenexa, KS and Susan Catt (Doug) of Shawnee, KS and grandchildren Megan Miller, Caroline Atkinson, David Catt and Michael Catt. With deepest gratitude and appreciation, Bill's family would like to thank his caregivers at Lakeview Village Care Center. Memorial services will be held Friday December 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS, 6641 Mission Rd. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Parkinson's Foundation or Village Presbyterian Church.
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5 Entries
To The Family,
We have many good memories of Dr. Spencer. My favorite was when I was in elementary school. My father came home and told he, Wendell Weatherbie & Dr. Spencer walked around on the roof of the new college, still under construction. When we were college age he always had a smile, genuine concern. He knew every student by name. He was one in a million.
Betty(Hyatt)& Randy Pierson
Emporia
Betty Pierson
December 4, 2019
I remember when Dr. Spencer came to Kansas City Kansas Community College and was saddened when he left. A genuine smile, a sincere man. Condolences to Mrs. Spencer and family.
KCKCC Retiree (2014)
Current KCKCC Board of Trustee member
Linda Hoskins Sutton
December 3, 2019
Dana Sambol
December 3, 2019
I joined KCKCC while Dr. Spencer was serving as president. Even though I was a low person on the totem pole, he was always friendly and had time for me. I'll always remember his laugh and genuine smile.
Karalin Alsdurf
December 2, 2019
I barely remember Bill when growing up in Chanute
as I was about 11 years younger than he and my sister, Kathryn Ann (Casebolt) Finley, with whom he graduated from Chanute High School. But for his family, I do distinctly remember one event.
I went with my mother and father to a Blue Comet basketball game, where in my sister was crowned Basketball Queen(I believe 1950) and her escort was none other than Bill Spencer. I have remembered that for all these years and when saw Bill's obit that immediately came to mind and I called my sis, still residing in Chanute, and she already knew it. She always spoke well of Bill and today was no exception.
God Bless him and family!!
Rolen Casebolt
Shawnee, Kansas
December 1, 2019
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