William "Bill" Herbert Williams III

William “Bill” Herbert Williams III passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 85.

Bill was born on August 20, 1940, in San Diego, California, to the late Lt. USN William H. Williams Jr. and Zelna Inez (White) Williams. In 1947, Bill’s father was tragically killed during Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific. Following his father’s death, the family returned to their hometown of Wichita in 1948.

Bill attended Sunnyside Elementary School for one year before he and his brother, Mike, were enrolled at Ponca Military Academy, where they attended for a couple years.

After leaving Ponca Military Academy, Bill returned to Wichita and attended Allison Junior High School, where he met his future wife, Mary Haun. They both attended West High School and graduated in 1958.

During his high school years, Bill excelled in athletics, earning national, state, and city honors and lettering in all four sports at West High School—football, basketball, baseball, and track. In 2023, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and recognized as the first West High School alumnus honored in three major sports. Among his many accolades were Parade Teen All-American honors, selection to the 1957 Wigwam Wiseman National High School All-American Football Team, and Wichita and State All-American honors as well.

After the loss of Bill’s father, his mother later married George Martindale, who played an important role in the lives of Zelna’s three sons. George was a true outdoorsman—hunting, fishing, gardening, and teaching life skills—and Bill shared a close bond with him. George and Zelna were married for 25 years until George’s passing. In 1983, Zelna married Arvo “Ozzie” Kangas, and they lived happily for 21 years until his passing in 2004.

Bill and Mary were married for 58 years and raised three children on a farm outside of Mt. Hope, Kansas. Together they enjoyed farming, canning, gardening, and having friends and family visit. Over 58 years, the stories were many, and their lives were filled with adventures, love, and devotion to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; his brother, Michael Williams; and his stepbrother, Donald Martindale.

Bill is survived by his children, William “Bill” Williams IV and wife Joy, John Scott Williams and wife Kelley, and Penny Moore; grandchildren, Krystal Dunn and husband Roman, Heather Williams, Ashley Williams, Karissa Reid and husband Shaun, Logan Moore-Levin and husband Jarret, and Bennett Moore and wife Jasmine; 12 great-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Randi Williams; nieces, Sabra Elliott and husband Darin, and Shawna Martindale; and his trusted dog companion, George.

A Celebration of Life for Dad will be held at the Rolling Hills Country Club, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. To honor Bill please wear your favorite KU or Chiefs attire.