Dr. Bill R. Wagonseller

Dr. Bill R. Wagonseller was born Oct. 15, 1933, in Fairview, Okla., and passed away peacefully March 16, 2014, at the age of 80. He was the third child of Charles and Ella Wagonseller. After graduating from Wichita East High School, he proudly served our country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. Bill then graduated from Wichita State in 1959, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Little, who became his wife, of 56 years. He continued on to receive his master's degree at Kansas State in 1964 and his doctorate in special education from University of Kansas in 1971. One year later he began his prestigious career as a professor in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he taught until his retirement. Throughout his career, "Dr. Bill" received several awards for his exceptional commitment to education including Outstanding Young Educator in Public Schools in Kansas in 1965, UNLV Distinguished Faculty Award in 1982 and Distinguished Teacher of the Year at UNLV twice in 1983 and 1986. Over his tenure at UNLV, he became a passionate leader in the field of parenting, publishing various nationally recognized books and videos including, "You and Your Child" and the "Practical Parenting" series. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of the Parent/Family Wellness Center at UNLV. While career was an important part of his life, Bill was also an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, gardener, storyteller, jokester and above all "Papa." His true love and top priority was his family, extended family and close friends. Bill is survived by his wife, Beverly; three children, Kim (Phil) Adams, Jeff (Leslie) Wagonseller and Greg (Aly) Wagonseller; seven loving grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, all of whom were his greatest source of pride and happiness. Viewing will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Services will be at 9 a.m. Monday, March 24, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2300 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Henderson. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at www.keepmemoryalive.org "Someone who is always spoken about and remembered will never die."