William Leo McNichols II

William Leo McNichols II (“Bill”), a beloved husband, father, Papa and Baba, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on March 18, 2026, at the age 78. Bill beat cancer with his characteristic grace, good humor and determination, but the damage was too great.

Bill lived a full and generous life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and lasting impact.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Bill was the first in his family to attend college, earning his MBA from the University of Missouri – Columbia. That achievement set the course for a distinguished career in business that let him travel and work around the world.

Columbia was also where he met the love of his life Vicki. The two married in 1971 and quickly set about building a life and family together. They had two children, Bill and Elizabeth, who they loved and provided every opportunity for. He and Vicki loved traveling together and did so for as long as they could.

Bill’s Missouri roots ran deep. His loyalty to the Missouri Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals was unwavering. Bill was known to sit in his driveway in places as far away as Massachusetts listening to the Cardinals on KMOX. Bill’s love of chocolate was, by all accounts, equally fierce. Over countless Sunday family dinners, a chocolate dessert was always on the menu.

Bill led an active life until the end. When not spending time with his family, he could be found on the pickleball court, the golf course, a hiking trail, or with a fishing line in the water. He passed his love of the outdoors onto his kids and grandkids encouraging each of them to get out into the world and be active.

Bill had a gift for friendship, and everyone he met knew he had a wonderful sense of humor. For decades, he was a proud member of the Gluttons, a beloved St. Louis social club, where his impish sense of humor made gatherings more interesting and more fun.

His most cherished role, without question, was as a father and grandfather. As a father, he led by example and pushed Bill and Elizabeth to reach their full potential and always making sure they knew they were loved along the way.

Among his grandkids, there was an open debate over whether Bill was “Papa” or “Baba,” but he embraced both roles and always met his grandkids on their own terms. For some, he became an expert in soccer and watched every match he could. For others, he made sure to attend sporting events, play golf, tennis or simply show up and spoil them with love, attention and usually chocolate and ice cream. His grandchildren knew they were loved and felt it every single day.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virginia McNichols. Bill leaves behind a devoted family, his wife Vicki, his two children and their spouses Bill and Nicole McNichols and Elizabeth and Chris Chostner; and his beloved grandchildren Will, Jake and Norah Chostner, and Claire, Colin, and Chloe McNichols. He is remembered by his sister Marylin and her husband Jim Simpson, and his in-laws, nieces, and nephews. We will all carry his spirit – his laughter, his warmth, and his enduring love - with us always.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business in his honor. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.