Reverend William G. Shoop Ph.D.

William George Shoop, a beloved and inspirational figure, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on April 25, 1925, in Spencer, South Dakota, he was the son of Walter and Hazel (Masters) Shoop. Known for his humorous and thoughtful nature, Bill touched the lives of many throughout his long and fulfilling life.

During his early years, Bill worked at the family's General Store in Spencer, South Dakota. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Army, serving from 1943 to 1946 in Company B, 97th Signal Battalion as a teletype operator. His service took him to Europe, where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and contributed to the first Nuremberg Trial. Bill was honorably discharged as a Technician Fourth Grade on March 26, 1946.

Following his military service, Bill attended Drake University, where he earned a degree in Divinity. While at Drake, he served the Waukee Christian Church and met his future wife, Mary Jean Gattis, who was inspired by his church messages. They married on July 29, 1949, at Mary Jean's home church, First Christian in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

After graduating in December 1953, Bill and Mary Jean moved to Buffalo, NY, where he became the Senior Pastor of Richmond Avenue Christian Church. During their time in New York, they welcomed two children, a son, Gary Shoop, and a daughter, Penny Shoop. In 1959, the family relocated to Kansas City, where Bill served as an Associate Minister at Country Club Christian Church until 1961.

Thanks to the generosity of a church member, Bill had the opportunity to complete his PhD in Ethics at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where the family lived from 1961 to 1963. Upon returning to the United States, he served as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, until 1976. The family then moved to St. Louis County, where Bill continued his ministry at Webster Groves Christian Church until his retirement in 1990.

After retiring, Bill and Mary Jean moved back to the Kansas City area, settling in Independence, Missouri, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Even in retirement, Bill remained active, serving as an Interim Minister at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City and churches in Bentonville, Arkansas, Tucson, Arizona, and Warrensburg, Missouri. At the age of 100, William and Mary Jean moved to Delmar Gardens, Lenexa, Kansas.

A faithful and avid reader, Bill was always eager to learn, a passion that remained with him throughout his life. His legacy of faith, humor, and thoughtfulness will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Penny Blake on November 23, 2007, and sister, Ione Lindekugel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Mary Jean, son, Gary Shoop and wife, Pam, grandchildren, Hilary Cosby (Todd), Heather Shoop-York (TJ), Cody Shoop (Claire), Ginger Katz (Bryce), Austin Brown (Clancy). Great-grandchildren: Kit, Ryder and Skyler, Juniper, Penelope and Parker, Miles and Marty.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2025, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Country Club Christian Church, located at 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113, or online at https://www.cccckc.org/give/.