William Mitchell Edgerly

William Mitchell Edgerly of Kansas City, MO, passed away on February 23, 2017, after an incredibly brave fight with cancer. Bill was born on December 17, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Mitchell and Cecile (Pelletier) Edgerly. He was a member of the National Honor Society at Central City (Iowa) Community High School. He attended Northwestern University, followed by a 2-year tour in the Army that included a year in Viet Nam. He earned a degree in journalism from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. Bill worked for AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) in Topeka, KS, as president of the organization, causing his family to refer to him as "the president of Kansas”. In 1984 he moved to Kansas City, MO, where he worked for the Internal Revenue Service until retiring in 2007. During part of his tenure at the IRS, he was chapter president of the National Treasury Employees Union. In 1991 Bill met Richard Silcox, with whom he shared the rest of his life. They traveled much of the world making friends in most every state in the Union as well as Toulouse, France; Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and many points in between. Bill was active in his community, and supported many social welfare organizations. Survivors include husband, Richard Silcox; sisters, Christine Young (Bob), Corinne Edgerly, Gisele Thornton (Gary); nieces, Emma Young and Laurie Thornton; and nephews, Andrew Young and Adam Thornton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 4225 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64111, or the ACLU, 406 W 34th Street, Ste 420, Kansas City, MO 64111. A brief visitation at 3:30 pm will be followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm, Friday, March 3rd at McGilley Memorial Chapel-Midtown, 20 West Linwood Blvd, Kansas City MO. After the service there will be an opportunity to toast his life and share some memories. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.