Walter "Bill" William Clark III

Bill was known first and foremost for his humor. He was insanely funny, with a quick wit and an endless supply of one-liners that could make anyone laugh. Many who knew him have said the same thing — to know Bill was to love Bill instantly. He carried an enormous heart for the people in his life and brought an infectious positivity wherever he went. Bill also had a natural sense of adventure and curiosity about the world. He was always up to try something new and was constantly reading, learning, and exploring new ideas and interests.

Bill was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas and spent most of his life in the Kansas City area surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved. He graduated from Rockhurst University, where he built the strong foundation for the brilliant career that would follow.

Professionally, Bill was an exceptionally talented technologist and an early pioneer in the cybersecurity space. He had a rare ability to think strategically and solve complex problems, earning the respect of colleagues and peers throughout his career. Bill had a gift for understanding technology at a deep level and was widely recognized for his insight, innovation, and leadership in the field.

Bill shared a special bond with his mother, Marie, and the two shared the same quirky sense of humor and a mutual love for pizza. Bill loved hosting Sunday family dinners, bringing everyone together around the table for food, laughter, and time with the people he loved most.

His dad wasn’t just his father — he was one of Bill’s closest friends. One of their shared traditions was their love of Kansas City Royals baseball. Watching games together and talking about the team was something they both treasured.

Bill had a deep passion for diving and felt most at home in the water. As a Master Diver, he loved exploring the underwater world and sharing that passion with others. He would get giddy every time a dive trip was coming up and loved capturing incredible underwater photographs of the places he explored. Diving was truly his favorite thing to do — underwater was where Bill’s world came even more alive.

In 2021, Bill and his wife Chelsey moved to Conifer, Colorado, where he embraced the mountains, wide open spaces, and the adventurous life they dreamed of building together. Colorado gave Bill the chance to live out many of his passions — from riding horses to exploring the outdoors — and he loved every minute of it.

Bill also loved horseback riding and spent many memorable days riding with his mother-in-law, Eileen. He competed in gymkhanas and truly enjoyed the excitement and challenge of riding. Bill had a special love for Simone, Millie, and Regina and could often be found photographing them just as enthusiastically as he photographed the underwater world. While riding, his famous line was always a joyful “Yeehaw!”

Above all else, Bill was the proud dad of Ethan Clark and Wesley Clark, who meant the world to him. He loved coaching the sports they played, teaching them new things, and spending time fishing together. Being their father was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Bill shared a rare and unforgettable love with his wife, Chelsey Clark. Together they built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and big dreams for the future. They chased passion, curiosity, and fun together and were truly each other’s soulmates. They pushed one another to grow, pursue their goals, and become better humans along the way. They found the kind of love many people spend their lives searching for and lived it fully — it just wasn’t long enough.

Bill lived deliberately and with intensity. He did not hold back from life. He believed deeply in experiencing the world fully, embracing adventure, and squeezing every ounce out of the time he had. One of his favorite authors, Hunter S. Thompson, once wrote that life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”

Those words perfectly captured how Bill lived his life.

So many people have said that while Bill’s life was short, he lived more in his 52 years than most people do in a lifetime. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Clark Sr. and Mildred Clark, and Tom and Maxine Murray; and by his uncles, Dick Clark and Bob Murray.

He is survived by his loving wife, Chelsey Clark; his sons, Ethan Clark and Wesley Clark; his parents, Bill and Marie Clark; his brother, Tom Clark; his brother-in-law, Houston (Nicole) Niesche; his nephew and niece, Liam and Bryce Niesche; many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and their beloved dogs, KC and Sully, who were always close by his side and part of so many of his adventures.

Bill will be remembered for his laughter, his positivity, his brilliant mind, and the way he showed up for the people around him. Join him in one final “Yeehaw” for an amazing, unforgettable ride. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Two celebrations of Bill’s life will be held in places meaningful to him and his adventures.

The first one will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Grinders Stonewall in Lenexa, Kansas. A favorite spot of Bill’s and full of fond memories with him and Chelsey. Friends and family are invited to gather, share Bill stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Another celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM at The Engelbrecht Ranch, 610 W. Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. A place where Bill was able to live out his cowboy dream. Friends and family are welcome to join in remembering Bill and celebrating his adventurous spirit.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, 6116 High Meadow Dr, Godfrey, Illinois or WeCode/KC 4741 Central Street, #222, Kansas City MO 64112.

Donation links:

https://www.widecast.org/support-us/donate/

https://www.wecodekc.org/donate