Orlin "Bill" Ard Jr.

1940 - 2022

Orlin "Bill" Ard Jr.
May 20, 1940 - March 27, 2022
Wichita, Kansas - Orlin Everett "Bill" Ard Jr., 81, of Wichita, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Wichita.
Bill was born May 20, 1940, in Emporia, Kansas, to Orlin Everett Ard Sr. and Margaret Frances (Goyette) Ard. He named himself "Bill" after Wild Bill Hickock, and the name stuck for the next 80 years. He was then on known as Bill, his wilder days behind. Bill spent his childhood in Kansas and was a graduate of Wichita North High School and Wichita State University, where he earned a degree in psychology in 1964. He spent a year after college living in Germany. After returning to the United States, he married Donna (Hale) Ard on April 29, 1967. Following their marriage, the couple lived and worked in Pennsylvania and Illinois before returning to Wichita in 1972. Early in his career, Bill worked in the land marketing industry specializing in developments and shopper preferences. In Wichita, Bill and business partner Steve Clark combined their professional talents to create the company that became Security Self Storage, which continues to operate in multiple states. Bill's devotion to Wichita led him to serve multiple organizations, including president and one of the 12 Apostles of Justice for the Wichita Crime Commission. History held a special place in Bill's heart, and in support of that and Wichita State, the Bill and Donna Ard Endowed Scholarship was established at the university. Old Cowtown was also a favorite as it encouraged the community and visitors to experience the Western history that Bill loved. He served on the board of directors and funded a road named for his father that expanded access to landmarks at the museum. Bill and Donna's longtime support of Wichita State was recognized when they were honored with the Fairmount Founders' Award in 2016. Additionally, they funded the Richard "Dick" Casidy Endowed Baseball Scholarship in honor and memory of the former Major League Baseball player and Bill's close friend. Other service contributions to the university include WSU National Advisory Council, WSU Foundation Board of Directors, and WSU Alumni Association Life Members. In addition to WSU and history, Bill loved his family and friends, good wine and food, cars, and cigars. When not in Wichita, he could be found enjoying the big sky of Montana, where the family spent time at their home in Missoula. Other accomplishments and activities included being recognized for outstanding leadership by the National Rifle Association, designation as a 32nd degree Mason, a 25- year member of Midian Shriners, and enjoying the contributions and fellowship of the Grumpy Old Men. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Orlin Everett Ard Sr. and Margaret Frances (Goyette) Ard. Survivors include wife Donna Ard of the home, son Michael Ard of Wichita, brother and sister-in-law Nick and Naomi Ard of Montrose, Colorado, brother-in-law John Hale of Wichita, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Herb and Jo Hale of Joplin, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Bill will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E 13TH ST N, Wichita, KS 67206. Burial will be in Lakeview Gardens Cemetery. Memorials have been established with Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Old Cowtown Museum.