William Marlin "Bill" Byers

William "Bill" Marlin Byers, 73, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed away on May 10, 2024. He was born on September 5, 1950, in Hastings, Nebraska.
Bill is survived by his wife Brenda Leuty, sons Ben (Lindsay) Leuty, Patrick Laffoon, daughter Catie (Keith) Ewy, granddaughters Dottie and Este Ewy, and his brother Tim Byers. He was preceded in death by father Sam (Dorothy) Byers, his mother Joanna Byers, and his son-in-law Christian Laffoon.
Bill grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1969 as a standout baseball player and Eagle Scout. After serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he attended the University of Kansas, where he played international collegiate rugby. After a brief stint as an actor, co-starring alongside Paul Newman in, he met Brenda while working together at The Barney Allis Plaza Hotel. Their meeting began an over thirty-year marriage, raising three children together. Bill went on to retire from QuikTrip after 20 years. Throughout Bill's career, he was most proud of his deep friendships with his colleagues and customers.
Bill's warmth meant he never met a stranger and was always there to lend a helping hand. His family and friends will remember him fondly for his sense of humor (nyuk nyuk nyuk) and unyielding kindness. Bill's passions were loyalty to his Jayhawks, Royals, and Chiefs and playing golf with old friends.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Bill's life on Sunday, May 26. A gathering will be held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 200 West 12th Street, in the 12th St. Room. Attendees are welcome to join the family at any time from 2-5pm and are encouraged to wear their favorite team's apparel. In honor of Bill's memory, contributions can be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Rest in peace, Bill. We will keep telling your jokes. As you always said, "It's better to be lucky than good" and we got to be both for being a part of your stories.