William Balcom

William F. Balcom Of Kansas City, MO went to heaven on May 8, 2014. Graveside services with full military honors will be at 1 pm Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Community programs.

William was born on July 11, 1924 in Natick, MA., to the late Howard M. and Mary Elizabeth Balcom (Magorty). During WWII in the European Theater, he served his country as an Army Surgical Technician rendering care and treatment to patients. Thank you for your service to the United States of America. While attending boot camp and specialty training, he met his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Ruth "Mickialene (Mickey)" Snow a "Rosie the Riveter" who served in the Army Motor Corps supporting the Pacific and European Theaters. When they decided to get married, an Army buddy borrowed a car, gasoline ration stamps, and drove William and Ruth to Harrison, AK where they were married. After the war, he and his wife were the owners of Art's Cafe, in the West Bottoms Cattle district of Kansas City and Mission Coffee shop of Mission Kansas, later working as a chef for the original Majestic Steak House at 31st and Holmes, Lusco's Lodge, and Costello's.

He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Mission Independent Merchants. He was an original member and served many years as the Financial Clerk of the Kansas City 1st Ward. He spent his retirement years with his wife performing temple work, being active with his grandchildren, and vacationing with extended family. He enjoyed his puppies, birds, gardening, home building projects, old antique cars, military ceremonies, and music. His greatest love and joy, besides Jesus Christ, was his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Mary, his brothers Alfred, Howard "Bub" and Joseph and his sisters Mary and Marguerite and his wife Ruth. Survivors include: his oldest daughter Debra Robe (Chris); Connie Ruth- Snow Balcom; grandsons, Nicholas Lynn Drake and Michael William Drake; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.