William "Bill" L. Van Dever

William Lee “Bill” VanDever, age 93, completed his life’s journey on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, passing peacefully at his daughter’s home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bill was born in Copan, Oklahoma, on October 15, 1932, to Edith May and Charles Noah VanDever. One of five siblings, Bill entered this world with memorable flair—on the night of his birth, the family home caught fire, prompting a hurried wagon ride to his aunt’s house next door. From that fiery beginning onward, Bill brought lively spirit to every chapter of his life.

As a boy, Bill was famously ornery, a trait that never quite left him. He was known for stealing cans of peaches from the cellar, pulling pranks, and proving himself a true jack of all trades. That mischievous charm would follow him into adulthood and become a beloved part of who he was.

On June 22, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Alma June “June Bug” VanDever, at the VanDever farm southwest of Leon, Kansas. Their union was one of devotion and partnership, lasting more than 66 years. As a testament to their enduring love, Bill carried a black and white photograph of the two of them—taken 73 years ago—in his wallet for the rest of his life.

Bill and June lived in Texas during his service years before settling permanently in Kansas City, Missouri, where they shared the same home for 52 years. For more than two decades, they treasured spending their winters in Phoenix, Arizona, where Bill played softball and June never missed a chance to cheer him on.

A talented and dedicated airplane mechanic, Bill made his living with skilled hands and a mechanical mind—but his passion for engines didn’t stop at work. Bill loved machining, restoring, and rebuilding anything with an engine. Over the years, his garage became the birthplace of countless projects. Most impressively, he restored 43 cars, including 35 Ford Mustangs, each one a labor of patience, craftsmanship, and pride. His reputation as the family’s Handyman was well earned—if it was broke, Grandpa Bill could fix it.

Bill was steady, even-keeled, and endlessly dependable—a rock for his family and everyone who knew him. To know Bill was truly to love him.

Bill is survived by his children Michael VanDever (Marsha) and Vicki King (Kurt); grandchildren Jeni (Ben), Ryan (Ruthie), Megan (Shane), Adam (Brigette); and his brother Jack VanDever (Debbie) of Wichita, Kansas. He also leaves behind 10 greatgrandchildren: Makenna, Bennett, Kennedy, Harper, Dillon, Brooklyn, Brynn, Saylor, Gunner, and Tucker. All of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren reside in the Kansas City, Missouri area.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife June, his parents, and his siblings Junior, Ed and Hazel.

Bill’s legacy is one of humor, resilience, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his stories, his creations, and his love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 13th from 10-11 AM, at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 801 NW 108th St, Kansas City, MO 64155. Service to follow at 11AM with graveside immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to KU Cancer Center. Condolences can be sent to TerraceParkFuneralHome.com.