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Bill Wisdom Obituary

KANSAS CITY, Kan. State Sen. Bill Wisdom, 71, Kansas City, Kan., died Jan. 21, 2004, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston . Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Maple Hill Funeral Home, 34th and Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan. A celebration of his life will be held during funeral services beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Sen. Wisdom was born April 11, 1932, in Cottonwood, Okla. Bill graduated from Limestone Gap High School in Oklahoma, and received an associate degree from Kansas City, Kan. ,Community Junior College. Employed by General Motors as a process engineer supervisor, he retired after 35 years of dedicated service. He served with distinction in the Kansas Legislature as a representative of the 31st District from Wyandotte County for 18 years, and senator from the 6th District of Wyandotte County for four years. During his tenure as a legislator, he displayed passion and commitment to his constituency of Wyandotte Cou nty and to all Kansans as well. Bill served on multiple legislative committees, most notably as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He is known for his outstanding service to education, special education, government efficiency, proper use of funds, the Kansas environment and state disabilities of all kinds. Other community contributions were Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Board, Citizen's Advisory Commission of Kansas City, Kan., and Argentine Community Action Group. Sen. Wisdom was active in numerous civic and service organizations, including the Shrine, Scottish Rite, Ben Hur Lodge, South Side Democrat Club, Argentine Activity Association, Maple Hill Optimist and Turner Lion's Club. Surviving are his wife, Joann Wisdom; a daughter, Joni Riley; a son, Lt. Col. Billie J. Wisdom Jr.; granddaughters, Joyce and Anne Wisdom; a grandson, Kelly Riley; his mother, Willie Emma Wyse; a brother, John Linton; and sisters Sue Farmer, Patsy Hecker and Lennie Weinberger. The family desires, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to the United Church of the Good Shepherd, Crosslines of Kansas City, Kan., or any Wyandotte County charity. He will be loved by his family and friends and deeply missed by the people of Kansas.

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jan. 24, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Wisdom

18 Entries

Nadine Comley

January 29, 2004

Joann I thought I signed the guest book Tues. I did not see it in the entry. You & your family have my deepest sympathy. Bill put up a long hard battle. Prayers Nadine Comley

Debbie Rooney

January 29, 2004

Joni,

I am so sorry to hear about your father. He fought the good fight! Even though I wasn't there in person I was there in spirit by your side. I am here for you if you need anything at all. You were a wonderful daughter and it showed in the way that you cared for him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Rooney

Paula Burnett

January 29, 2004

Joni - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish and celebrate the memories. I'm here for you! Paula

Cathy Luebbert

January 29, 2004

Joni and Family- I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joy Brownfield

January 29, 2004

Joni - His promise is the light by which we see our loved ones safely home. I pray that God will comfort you with His great love and may the strength of your belief help guide you and your family through this time of sorrow. - Joy and Gene

Nita Proctor

January 26, 2004

Joann and family,

Bill will be truly missed by all. Such a wonderful person. He truly cared for all and was dedicated to helping each and every person. It has been a blessing to have known such a kind person. Our prayers are for God's abiding love to comfort all of you during this time.

Nita,Michelle and Micah Proctor

Joe & Jo-Anne Meditz

January 26, 2004

You are in our prayers,we will keep very good thoughts for your family. If you need anything please call.

Jim Braden

January 26, 2004

Bill and I were freshmen legislators together. We were on opposite sides of the isle but agreed with each other much more than not. We always were good friends! I remember working together with Bill on an amendment when we were green freshmen. He often commented about that. I still have the photo on my office wall that we took in the House Chamber of all of the members waving at Bill when he was in the hospital with his first bout with cancer.

Bill was a good man and I am proud to have had him as my friend!

Norman, Ann & Misti Festervand

January 26, 2004

Joann, Bo & Joni,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you

Linda Orndoff

January 26, 2004

Mr. Wisdom was a wonderful friend to our family. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joann, Joni, Bo and their families. The Orndoff family.

Kathy Richardson

January 25, 2004

Senator Wisdom was a wonderful man dedicated to his lovely wife and beloved family. He was also dedicated to the people of Kansas City, KS and the state of Kansas,but especially to it's children. I will always consider him a friend and mentor who taught by example, not just words. I will espcially be greatful to the guidance and encouragement he gave to myself and Jerri Ruiz in the causes most important to the PTA, the children. We fought the good fight, won many battles, but the war rages on. God bless you, and your family for sharing you for so many years with us. You'll now be reunited with your friend Jim, but we will miss you dearly!

Tom and Sheri Dyche

January 25, 2004

Daughter and Son-in-law of Fred and Judy Lang

Nadine Comley

January 25, 2004

Nadine Comley Arma; Ks.

Gay Tillery

January 25, 2004

Joni & Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What an honor it must be to have lived & learned from such a distinguished gentleman. Love & Best Wishes - Gay

Gay Tillery

January 24, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. His daughter Joni is very special to me.

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