William Edward Maher

1934 - 2021

William Edward Maher
December 8, 1934 - May 19, 2021
Prairie Village, Kansas - A dedicated and loving husband, father and friend, Bill always had a joke to share, a story to tell a hug or a great listening ear when needed. He was born to Eleanor and James Maher—the baby of the family and he made sure his siblings knew he was the favorite. He attended Glennon High School, and Rockhurst College. After college, he served in the army as a medic stationed in Germany and brought home many stories, lifelong friends and a set of china for his bride. He was discharged in 1958, just six weeks before his marriage to Carolyn Jean Heier, whose mother would not let the wedding invitations go out in the mail until she saw the "whites of his eyes". Bill and Jean were married for 36 glorious years when she was called to serve our Lord in heaven. His grief was deep and he loves her still. They were blessed with 6 children. Raising decent human beings was his greatest achievement, but he always gave the credit to his wife, Jean.
His kids however give much adulation to his kind, gentle nature and penchant for making them laugh. He was a snappy dresser, choosing plaid, stripes and gingham above boring single color shirts. He was always clean shaven, smelled of Polo and even had his jeans pressed. He was a most kind and accepting man, never judgmental. In his youth, he was an athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. But his love of sports was never more evident than when he played tennis. He won the Kansas City Catholic League tournament when he was just 17. He shared these talents with his children, teaching them the importance of good sportsmanship. He began his lithography career in 1958, at Allied Litho, where he worked until his retirement. A great salesman, he often had to "fix" deals his father in law Charles Heier made over 3 martini lunches. He loved to camp, hauling everyone to the lake on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. He was fortunate to reacquaint himself with a former girlfriend from high school, Dorothy Calohan and spent the last 26 years loving her and enjoying her company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Jean Maher, parents Eleanor and Jim, son, Joe, and siblings Joanna, Jimmy and Mary Ellen. He is survived by his children, Bill Maher (Felicia), Laurie Ingram (Chip), Michelle Wilber (George), Denise Schloegel (Dave), Jeff Maher (Tracy) and Pat Maher (Mindi). His grandchildren, Stefan, Anna, Maggie, Sarah, Charlie, Katie, Max, Luke, Jake, Grace, Will, Chase, Matthew, Emerson, Parker and Beckett., and his great grandchildren, George, Decker and Blakeleigh. We will toast Bill with his favorite wine, Blackstone Merlot on Monday May 24 after his service at Cure of Ars Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, Rosary at 10:30 am followed by Mass at 11 am. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a very special man. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.