Wilbert Bill Willson Strawn

Surrounded by loved ones, Bill Strawn passed away at KU Medical Center on April 5, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Minneapolis in 1932 to parents Burt Strawn and Mina (Willson) Summers. During his early childhood Bill’s parents moved to Independence, Missouri. An accomplished athlete, Bill lettered in numerous sports at Northeast High School. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Bill graduated from Northeast in 1951, and then played varsity football for William Jewell College. After graduating from William Jewell in 1955, Bill enlisted as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served our country, and following his honorable discharge he returned to the Kansas City area. Bright and energetic, Bill proved to be a very successful businessman. In 1978 Bill married Betty Jansen, and they remained devoted to each other for over 31 years of marriage. Throughout his life Bill kept himself in top physical condition. He became an excellent handball player, and he and Betty traveled around the country so that Bill could compete in regional and national tournaments. As Bill’s most loyal fan, Betty never missed a tournament. In 2006 Bill was inducted into the Missouri State Handball Hall of Fame. In 2009 Bill and his partner won the National doubles title in their age bracket, and they took second in the World Tournament. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Myna Strawn, his son, Stuart Strawn, and his sister, Kay Landfried. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and son, Jim. Bill had a delightful sense of humor, and never met a stranger. He was a true gentleman, both on and off the court. He will be tremendously missed. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Bill’s memory to the American Cancer Society, or the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City. A visitation will be held at Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, on Thursday, April 8, from 6 to 8:00pm. The funeral service will also be at Mount Moriah commencing at 10:00am on Friday, April 9; followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery, Sweet Springs, Missouri, at 12:30pm. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, Missouri.