Raised in rural Goddard, Bill worked alongside his father on the family farm even through his college years. Bill is a graduate of the Goddard school district, went on to attend Friends University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in education. With a thirst for knowledge and a drive to feed the minds of the next generation, Bill continued on his path of higher learning attaining his Masters from Emporia State University.
Bill was a well-known and dedicated teacher and coach throughout Wichita and the surrounding areas and became a staple of the community. Coach Means, as he came to be known by many, was a pillar of the education and athletic system and will be missed. He began his coaching career in Haysville and then went on to Clearwater and Arkansas City; he continued on to Wichita Southeast and then retired from the Wichita School District. He continued coaching and teaching in the Andover School District and finally was an assistant coach at Wichita Northwest and Wichita West. In his spare time, he took immense pride watching his son, J. Means follow his path and continue the journey of coaching throughout the greater Wichita area. He found great comfort watching and supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren as they excelled in sports and theater.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Lestie Means.
Bill is survived by his wife, Meredith Means; son, J. (Cindy) Means; grandchildren, Nic (Melissa) Means and Bailey (Michael) Andrako; great-grandchildren: Preston Means, Carter Jensen, Laetyn Jensen, Anestyn Means, Sophie Andrako, Noah Andrako and Kai Jensen; brothers, Glea (Vicki) Means and Don (JoAnn) Means; sister, Sharon (Steve) Holloway; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Bill with family present will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67214. A committal service will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 immediately to follow the service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in The Garden of Gospels, Lot 28D, Space 1.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Friends University Scholarship Fund, 2100 W. University Avenue, Wichita, KS 67213. Please indicate Bill Means on your donation.
