William M. Skelton Jr.

William (Bill) M. Skelton Jr., 81, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025. Born on April 10, 1944, in Harrison, Arkansas, to William (Mac) and Bertie Skelton. Bill graduated from Westport High School, in Kansas City, MO, class of 1963. He married Nancy Hofstetter in 1971. For most of his adult life, Bill was a dedicated professional in sales, working as an auto parts distributor in the Midwest. Eventually he opened and operated his company, WMS Sales for many years.

Family and friends will remember him as a kind, and driven individual who encouraged all to pursue their own dreams. He was a generous, witty and dedicated individual who loved deeply and was passionate about life and loved his country. Bill was accomplished at woodworking and often made his own furniture.

Bill was an active and dedicated member of the original Albert Pike Order of the Masonic Blue Lodge in Kansas City, Missouri, where he quickly moved up to become the youngest Grand Master of his lodge at the time. Bill continued to become a 32nd Degree Mason and joined the Ararat Shrine of Kansas City where he served in the Guides Unit for many years. In later years, his passion for horses led him to join the Moila Shrine in St. Joseph, MO., where he became an active member Mounted Patrol.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William and Bertie Skelton.

Bill is survived by his sister, Cora Sue Moore (Mike); nephews, William "Rob" Gray (Lisa), John "Mac" Gray (Tiffany); many great nieces and nephews; former wife and close friend Nancy Skelton.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to be made to Shiners Children Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

The family would like to express their profound thanks to the caregivers and staff at American House Burlington Creek as well as the dedicated staff at Ascend Hospice.