Bill was born on October 27, 1926, in Lincoln, Missouri, to William Zach and Zetta Arnus Means. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Alice Sue Dell at Swope Park Baptist Church. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, service, and devotion to family.
Bill dedicated over 30 years of his life to education, many of those years were serving as a respected educator in the Shawnee Mission School District from 1960 until his retirement in 1990. During that time he answered a new calling and served in church administration at Loma Vista Baptist Church and later Emmanuel Baptist Church, continuing his lifelong commitment to serving others and his Lord.
He is lovingly remembered by his son, Eric Means, and daughter-in-law, Jill Means (Alan); his grandchildren, Rachel Mincy (Braxton), Allison Johnston (Matthew), John Means (Caroline), and Jacob Means (Taylor); and his great-grandchildren, Emmett, William, Madison, Eliza, McCoy, Vivian, and Baby M. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Alice Sue Means and his son, Alan Ray Means. His unwavering faith, warmth, and storytelling will continue to be shared through the generations.
Bill’s legacy is one of love, service, and a steadfast walk with Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. A public graveside committal will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery South at 2:15 PM.
And because family meant everything to Bill, we are asking for those making contributions to consider the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of his beloved son, Alan, who passed in 2020. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, family and friends will be "striding" in honor of the PanCan PurpleStride KC 2025 - donate to Team Alan below.
