William "Bill" Hart Brinton

Bill was born on December 3, 1947, in St. Joseph, MO to Frank “Jack” Albright Brinton and Nola Hart Brinton. He graduated from Benton High School in 1966 and attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, before joining the United States Army in 1967, serving in the 9th Infantry Division, Company B, 4th of the 47th Mobile Riverine Task Force in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. He was a member of the Mobile Riverine Force Association. Sergeant Brinton was wounded in action on April 25, 1969. He was decorated with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Bill continued school at Missouri Western State University and worked in sales in St. Joseph where he was married and his son, Christopher, was born. After that marriage ended, he met the Love of his Life, soulmate and life partner, Liz Ashby, in the fall of 1979. They married in 1981 and settled into family life with Liz Brinton’s two sons. They moved to Kansas City, MO, and Bill began working for Crestline Windows as a regional sales manager. Later the family moved north of the River in Kansas City where he continued to work in window manufacturing and sales until his retirement in 2001.

Bill became a grandfather on the day before his 59th birthday, December 2, 2006. His children and grandchildren remember him as a kind, patient and loving father figure who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams. He was an accomplished grillmaster and often competed in the American Royal Barbecue contest. He barbecued year-round, in rain, sleet or snow. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved photography and was passionate about live music. He regularly attended the Camp Harlow Saturday Matinee at the Levee for over 25 years and could be found dancing with his wife, family and friends and occasionally jumping on stage to join the band on the drums. He was an active member of a breakfast club of Vietnam buddies from St. Joe who met every week to “share stories and tell lies.” He also enjoyed vacationing with family and camping with friends.

Bill was preceded in death by grandparents, Jervy and Esther Albright Brinton & Nolan and Mamie Hart Coonce; his parents, Jack and Nola Brinton; and his son, Christopher Warren Murray.

Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Alice Brinton; stepsons, Kelso Lewis Ashby III and Andrew Thomas Ashby; beloved grandson, Kenneth Claude Allen Ashby; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Pat Brinton & their family; many cherished cousins, grandnieces, and nephews; his extended family and hundreds of dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Good Shepherd Hospice at 123 West Kansas Ave, Independence, MO 64050.

The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, and the Kansas City VA Medical Center for their efforts, care and dedication.