William "Billy" Darrell Munson

William “Billy” Darrell Munson, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50 on February 12th, 2025 in Orlando, FL.  Billy touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family.  He always had a smile to share. 

Billy was born to Stanley and Shareen Munson on July 4th, 1974 in North Platte, NE, He lived in New Jersey, Oklahoma, and North Platte then settled with his parents in Tryon, NE.  Billy grew up there with his 3 brothers.  He loved sports, helping at brandings, and swimming in the family’s pool.  Billy graduated from McPherson Co. High School in 1992.  After a year of college, Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1993 and headed to basic training.  He married Lori Gregg on September 4th, 1993, and they set off on their adventure with the Air Force. Billy served in the USAF for 7 1/2 years, and was stationed at Fairbanks, AK, and Rapid City, SD.  He spent a deployment in Saudi Arabia as well. The Air Force created friendships that are still tight today. Billy left the Air Force in 1999 and started at Great Plains Regional Hospital where he worked for 24 years. 

Over the years, Billy and Lori had 4 children, Ashley, Avery, Colby and Kacey. Billy was a pillar of support to his family, always putting his loved ones first. His greatest joy was spending time with Lori and their children, as well as his family and friends.  Whether being pulled into yet another crafty type project by Lori, taking Ashley for their daily drive, talking with Avery about all of his Disney experiences, listening to Colby play his guitar, watching Kacey play softball, or sharing a laugh, usually in the form of a dad joke,  he was a guiding light in their lives.  They knew Billy was their rock and safe place.  

Billy didn’t have a lot of hobbies, but he loved any chance to be on a beach, wading in the water and hunting for shells and shark teeth.  He could spend hours listening to the waves. His life was mainly centered on his family.  Billy was extremely proud of his role as a dad.  He expanded that role in recent years as he and Lori were a host family for the Knights softball girls where he gained quite a few bonus daughters.  He cared for them all, and formed some very special bonds.  This was especially so with Elena.  She’d call him dad and he’d give her big old dad hugs whenever they saw each other.  He always enjoyed being around his kids’ friends and teammates and was there to support them all.  Billy was always a bit shy, but his presence brought warmth and laughter to every room, and his generous spirit left a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Billy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chart and Wilma Nicholson, Dewey and Laura Munson, and Fonce and Twila Brynoff. 

He is survived by his wife Lori, his children, Ashley from North Platte, Avery from Orlando, FL, Colby (Justina), and Kacey both from North Platte, and Elena from Denver, CO., his loving parents, Stanley and Shareen Munson of Tryon, NE, his brothers Jason (Mikki) from Carpenter, WY and their children Wiley, Haley (Micah), Hunter, Jaxson and Lily; Jody (Megan) from Tucson, AZ and their daughter Mia; Darrin (Angie) from Arthur, NE and their children Kylee (Elijah), Ella, and Grayson.  Billy is also survived by his family that he gained from his marriage to Lori; parents, Cindy, and Bob and Muffy, brothers and sisters; John, Boone (Nadene), Beau (Brook), Nels (Stephanie), Josie, Will (Tia) and Camrie (Cam). There were many Aunts, Uncles, nieces and nephews, family and friends as well.  

Though his time with us was far too short, the love and memories he shared will live on forever in our hearts.  A funeral service will be held, information for that will be shared soon. Rest in peace, Billy. You will always be loved, remembered, and deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 21, 2025 at the Bethel Church, 2700 W. Philip, North Platte with Pastor Geoff Safford officiating.  Inurnment will be at 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 24, 2025 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Military Honors.  Visitation will be from noon - 7:00, Thursday, February 20, with family present from 5-7.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.