William H. Post

William H. "Bill" Post, 94, of Arkansas City/Geuda Springs, Kansas, died Saturday, October 25, 2014, at the Presbyterian Manor of Arkansas City. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2014, at the Mount Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Bill was born November 5, 1919, in Los Angeles, California, to William A. and Della O. (Baker) Post. He attended Walton Center grade school, high school for two years in Geuda Springs and two years at Arkansas City High School, graduating in 1938. He later graduated from Arkansas City Junior College (Cowley College). Bill served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He married Doree Martin on June 7, 1947, and the two had a songwriting team that saw many of their songs recorded by the likes of Connie Stephens, The Lettermen, Eddie Cochran, Bobbie Vee and Lawrence Welk. Doree preceded him in death in 1961. In 1966 through a Billy Graham Crusade Bill became a Christian and was introduced to his second wife, Orvaleen Pritchett. They married on August 23, 1970. She also preceded him in death. Bill continued to write and compose many songs, including one of two official Marches of the State of Kansas - "Here's Kansas". He and Orvaleen owned and operated the Post Musical Homestead at their home west of Geuda Springs. Bill was also preceded in death by his son John Post and step-daughter, Dr. Rita J. Pritchett. Survivors include daughter in-law Kathy Post, of Claremore, OK, stepsons, Larry Pritchett and wife Marlene of Grant NE, Craig Pritchett and wife Peggy of Hewitt, TX, Monte Pritchett and wife Benja of Gatesville, TX and several grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with the Mount Hope United Methodist Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City.