Search by Name
Search by Name
Koman, William J. "Bill"
Former all-Pro linebacker for the St. Louis Cardinals, died peacefully Nov. 1, 2019 at his home in St. Louis. He was 85.
Bill reached the pinnacle of achievement in his careers as an athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was also a beloved husband for 63 years to his wife, Joan, a father, a grandfather and a friend.
He learned at an early age that his success would depend on his own sheer determination and focus. Nobody would outwork him. Growing up in post- depression western Pennsylvania, Bill overcame a crippling childhood accident that left him with 50 percent mobility in one leg. Late to the game of football, he had to hone his mental acumen. He began playing as a junior at Hopewell High School, which later named its field house in his honor. Undeterred by injury, he found his way to the University of North Carolina. There, he excelled both academically and on the football field.
Graduating in 1956 with a degree in economics, Bill embarked on his first career as a star NFL linebacker. He played 12 years in the NFL, first drafted by the Baltimore Colts. He, John Unitas and Lenny Moore would be the only rookies to make the team. Bill would later say, "This is a tough man's game and I'm as tough as anyone out there." One sportswriter dubbed him the "NFL's ironman of the 1960's."
He played for 2 years for the Philadelphia Eagles and spent his final 9 years with the St. Louis Cardinals. Known as a fierce and highly capable player, he once played 120 consecutive games for the Big Red. He was selected for two Pro Bowls and was twice named first team All Pro. Other accolades include being named to the top St. Louis Cardinals of All Time, Top 25 linebackers of the ACC, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the one of which he was the most proud--NFL Father of the Year in 1968.
The end of his football career in 1968 opened the door to his next chapter as a civic leader, entrepreneur and business man. His mental toughness would serve him well. Bill chose to stay in his adopted hometown of St. Louis to raise his family. As a developer and founder of The Koman Group, he built both commercial and residential projects across the metropolitan area. He was one of the original five founding members of the Casino Queen ownership group. The casino would prove to be an economic boon to East St. Louis and stabilize its economy for decades.
Philanthropically, Bill served on the boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri and numerous others. His giving has made a lasting impact for medical research and treatment of cystic fibrosis and cancer. He was an active funder of scholarships and programs at schools in the local area and his alma mater University of North Carolina.
Above all else, Bill Koman was always there for his family. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his wife Joan, his children and extended family. He was an inspiration and mentor to his children. To his grandchildren, he was "Papa", always ready for an adventure, a joke or sage guidance. Bill never knew a stranger and his wide network of friends knew he could be counted on to stand by them and support their endeavors.
Bill is survived by his cherished wife Joan; children and spouses: Karen Koman and Peter Hamilton, William and Amy Koman, Janis Koman Forsen and Dr. James Forsen Jr., James and Jennifer Koman, and Elizabeth Koman. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Peter J. Hamilton, Oliver Hamilton, Katherine Hamilton, Samantha Kichman, Nicole Koman, Laine Koman, Blaire Koman, Elizabeth Forsen, James William Forsen lll, John Forsen, Michael Koman, Lucas Koman and Caroline Koman, and his sisters: Dolores Yurkovich and Louise DiNardo. He was preceded in death by sons, John Koman and Michael Koman.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Post Office Box 309, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514 or online at give.unc.edu as well as to Pedal the Cause. Pedal, founded by his son Bill, provides funds to advance cancer research.
A SERVICE OF
THE LUPTON CHAPEL
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill and fellow Cardinals teammates were my ride to high school on Monday mornings during football season in 1964 in StL. Bill and Ken Kanfil, Billy Stacy and Jerry Stoval were so kind to give this hitch-hiking high school kid a ride a few miles while on their way to Busch Stadium for their Monday morning post game meeting/workout.
Tom
Friend
April 11, 2021
I will miss you my big guy.. my sincere condolences to the family!
Felicia Brown
November 16, 2019
Our Sympathy to Bill's family. Sincerely Hopewell Class of 1952
November 14, 2019
My prayers for the Family
Charles Bidwill III
November 14, 2019
God bless Bill and his wonderful family.
Larry and Carol Ottsen
November 13, 2019
On 10/21/2019, the FDA announced, 5 months early, the landmark approval of Trikafta, a triple combination of drugs that treats the underlying cause of Cystic Fibrosis in 80-90% 0f those that inherit this horrific disease. This drug is not a cure, but as a recent Washington Post article points out, reality for those that inherited this disease negated planning for collage as most died young. Now, because of William Koman's dedication & undaunted devotion decades ago to help foster the development of Trikafta, those that have CF are being told they should begin to think about planning for retirement. Exactly a year ago tomorrow my son was switch from placebo to Trikafta as he was one of 500 people in the world participating in the 3rd stage clinical trial. Bill, I know you follow in the charitable footsteps of your father. I wish the entire Koman family good health, long life and may the blessed memory of #34 linger in all who knew him and benefited from his kindness.
Sandy Gordon
November 12, 2019
Mr. Koman was arguably even more successful as an entrepreneur than he had been on the gridiron; he proved F. Scott Fitzgerald had been wrong when he said "There are no second acts in American Lives."
I went to school with his sons, but cannot claim to have known him well. I was impressed nevertheless. People obviously mattered to him. For a few years after we all graduated from high school, the Komans hosted a party for their children's friends during the holidays. Large parties can sometimes get out of hand--but not when the Iron Man of the NFL is at the door. What amazed me was that he seemed to know not only the names of all his children's friends, but what they had done after graduation as well. As everyone came to the door it would be like "Hi, Chuck. How are things going at Navy?"
So, thank you Mr. Koman for your hospitality on occasion, for the example that will last far longer, and for your impact on your adopted city that will last forever.
Charles Hardy
November 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We grew up down the street form the Komans. What a great family and a great man.
Kate Connaughton Gough
November 11, 2019
What a wonderful obituary and tribute to such an accomplished athlete, businessman, philanthropist, and most important a totally dedicated family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Allen & Anita Toole
November 11, 2019
Any obituary should be a tribute to the deceased. This had to have been written by someone who loved Bill Koman very much. It's a wonderful story.
Connie Detar
November 10, 2019
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more