Bill Whitley

Bill passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living in Eudora, Kansas. He was born to Bill and Florence Whitley on March 14, 1926, in Hannibal, Missouri. He spent much of his childhood living on farmsteads throughout Kansas.

In 1944 he enlisted into the US Army and became a paratrooper and was a proud WWII veteran. In 1948 he married the love of his life, Mary Jane Gieber. They were happily married for 76 years. It was as though they created the meaning of the word soulmates. In 1952 they bought a little home on Green Street in Wichita, Kansas and they lived there for 68 years, happily raising three boys, Kelly, Kevin and Kendall.

Bill was a self-employed Trim Carpenter and owner of Whitley Cabinetry and Trim for over 40 plus years. He created beautiful woodwork in over 1000 homes in Wichita. His workmanship is something that stands out in those homes today.

Bill’s other two loves in life were Wichita State Basketball and the passion of horseshoe pitching. He was a world class Horseshoe Pitcher with trophies and plaques literally covering every wall. In 2014 Bill was inducted into the Kansas Horseshoe Pitcher’s Hall of Fame. For 30 plus years Bill and Jane were devoted Wichita State Shocker basketball season ticket holders, never missing a game in the Roundhouse!

Bill’s greatest gift was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband. As a father, he was unwavering in his support of his three boys in everything from scouts to coaching to always being there when you needed him. His last chapter in life, he was simply known as “Papa” to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Between his long-lasting hugs to storytelling and laughter, the grandkids could never get out of the Bill Whitley famous “Big Crows.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Jane “Janie”; son, Kevin and sister, Mickey. He is survived by his sons, Kelly and Kendall “Kabe”; sister, Fran Price and many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1 pm at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.