William C. Phelps
1934-2019
William C. (Cunningham) Phelps, the 40th Lieutenant Governor of MO, passed away in Houston March 19, 2019 following a short illness. Phelps was elected Lt. Governor in 1972, serving under Governors Kit Bond and Joe Teasdale, 1973-1981.
Bill Phelps, born in Nevada, MO on April 5, 1934 to Dr. Dean and Irene Myers Phelps, attended the Nevada schools where he played football and basketball and was Valedictorian. He received a degree in economics in 1956 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, was selected a member of Mystical Seven honorary society and a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He completed his service with the US Army after being commissioned by the ROTC as a second lieutenant on graduation in 1956. Phelps graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1959. He joined the law firm of Morrison, Hecker, Cozad and Curtis.
Phelps served six terms in the MO House of Representatives before becoming the first Republican in 44 years to be elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor.
After leaving politics in 1981, he joined American General Corporation in Houston, retiring in 1996. Bill and Joanne split their time between their homes in Houston and Kansas City. Bill was a member of the Kansas City Country Club, the Rotary Club of Kansas City and past President of the National Federation of Pachyderms. He was also active in the Fair Tax movement, advocating replacing the Federal income tax with a national sales tax.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joanne. Others include Myers cousins, Phelps cousins and the Ronchetto family. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the Lopez family for their love and care during his illness.
Funeral services will be held at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 at 10:30am on Monday, March 25, 2019 with a reception to follow at the Cathedral. A Memorial service will also be held at the Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO at with interment to follow at the Newton Burial Park in Nevada.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lt. Governor William C. and Joanne Phelps Foundation, which provides scholarships for graduates of Nevada High School: Nevada R5 Foundation, C/O 800 W Hickory, Nevada MO 64772 or to Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
You may view obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com
Ferry Funeral Home
301 South Washington
Nevada, MO 64772
417/667-3322 phone
417/667-4944 fax

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for William Phelps

Sponsored by Ferry Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Victor Guerrero

March 17, 2023

Thinking about you Joanne Phelps and just wanted to say God bless you and I hope you are doing well. We miss Bill and alway will.
Warmest Regards,
Victor Guerrero.

Victor Guerrero

April 23, 2019

I met Bill in 2008 and had many wonderful conversations with him in person and on the phone. He was a real Texas sports fan, a strong man of faith and character and a true gentleman. Reading his obituary proves what an incredible person he was. I only hope that I can match a portion of what he has accomplished in his blessed life. My deepest condolences and prayers are for Joanne and her family. How hard it must be for her. She and I had a few wonderful conversations recently and I feel so blessed to have had what little contact we had. They have both touched my heart and soul and I mourn with her. May God bless you and your family, Joanne.

Warmest Regards,
Victor & Sheryl Guerrero

March 24, 2019

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)

Gene Corn

March 24, 2019

I served with Bill in the US Army at Ft.Sill, OK in the summer of 1957. Bill was a gentleman and fine friend then and and continued to be all his life.My condolences to his family.

March 22, 2019

Joanne,my thoughts & prayers are with you during this time of great loss.
I loved working with Bill (and you) many years ago at Morrison Hecker & only wish our paths had crossed more frequently in the last many years. Bill was a wonderful attorney & person!

Gary Brouillette

Sandra Howery

March 22, 2019

Joanne -I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing - while working for him, I found him to be a compasionate person and I loved working for him.

March 22, 2019

My heart goes out to the family. May God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn provide you with strength and comfort you need during this difficult time (Isaiah 61:1,2).

Alexandra Kuebler

March 22, 2019

Joanne - my sincere condolences. Both you and Bill made a lasting impact on me. Thank you for playing a role in making me the person I am today. Hugs and prayers for your comfort, and rejoicing for Bill going home.

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