William "Bill" Stickford, 77, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away July 23, 2016. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa, to William Stiehl Stickford and Mary Elizabeth (Jones) Stickford in 1939. He had two sisters, Virginia and Ann Stickford, all of whom preceded him in death. Bill was raised on a small farm in Iowa and attended Iowa City schools through his sophomore year of high school. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Mic-O-Say order and was elected by his troop to attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1953 at Irvine Ranch in California. In 1956, the family moved to Liberty, Mo., where Bill attended his junior and senior years of high school. He graduated with the Liberty High School class of 1957. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Van Dyke, in 1958. To this union of 33 years, two daughters were born, Carol (David) Freeman, of Plattsburg, Mo., and Cindy (Pete) Paulak of Kansas City. Following his marriage, Bill served in the United States Marine Corps (Camp Pendleton in California) before returning to the Kansas City area to begin his career. He worked for Trans World Airlines, including time in cargo, ticketing and then management of the KCI commissary for over 35 years. With airline transition, Bill re- located to the St. Louis, Mo., area. It was there that he retired and met his dear companion of 18 years, Joan Brendal. She preceded him in death. Bill loved spending time with his family, travel, fishing, canoeing and the simple pleasure of a great cup of coffee. He was well known for his artistic talent and exquisite penmanship. That, along with a passion for genealogy, has left his future generations with a true legacy of beautifully archived family history. Bill's survivors include his former spouse and two daughters, four grandchildren, Scott (Sara) Freeman of Smithville, Mo., Kristen (Jesus) Romero of Kansas City and Sydney and Samantha Paulak of Kansas City. His four great grandchildren are Bayley and Abby Freeman, of Smithville, and Mya and Kayla Romero of Kansas City. There will be no public service. Inurnment will be at Oakridge Cemetery in West Liberty, Iowa. A private family service and picnic will take place at a later date. The family kindly suggests no flowers. Those who wish to make a donation should please choose a preferred charity. Condolences can be made at www.churcharcherpasley.com Newcomer's Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Dignity Memorial
Published in Kansas City Star on July 27, 2016