Bethany, MO: William Leroy Hall was born the first son of Alma and Gertie Hall on July 6, 1929. Along with his parents and younger brother, Kenneth, the Hall family lived on a small dairy farm a few miles south of Bethany.
Bill attended a one room school near the family farm through the 8th grade and graduated from Bethany High School in 1947. At the age of 20 he met Wilma Dyer from Ridgeway. In 1950 Bill and Wilma were united in marriage, a union that would span over seven decades.
At the age of 22, Bill went to serve his country in the Korean War. He attended basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas and later shipped out to Japan for additional schooling. He would eventually be deployed to South Korea where he served as Sargent First Class of the motor pool repairing heavy duty military equipment, often near the front line. Upon completion of his military service, Bill returned home to Bethany where he worked for Cole and Meyers.
In 1954 he and Wilma began a farming career that would last nearly 70 years. In 1960 they purchased a farm 2 miles SE of Bethany where they raised 3 sons. Bill resided on that farm with his wife Wilma, until his death.
During his life Bill served on various committees and boards including the Antioch Cemetery Board, the MFA Oil Board and the University of Missouri Extension Council. He was also a member of the American Legion and an active member of the First Christian Church of Bethany, having served as Deacon and Board Member. He and Wilma were members of the church for nearly 65 years.
Throughout his life Bill enjoyed farming, traveling, piloting his private plane, serving as a 4-H leader and working on the side as a real estate agent. Later in life he and Wilma would spend their winters in Texas, where they had a very special group of friends, many of which were nearly as close as family. All of these things enriched Bill’s life but what he enjoyed most was his family. The many family gatherings and celebrations shared with the extended family of Kenneth and Patsy Hall were some of the most cherished. Each summer for nearly 50 years the two families would gather in the Ozarks for a long weekend of recreation and comradery. Other very special occasions included the celebration of his 90th birthday and he and Wilma’s 70th wedding anniversary, both held on beautiful days at the Hall Family Farm.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Gertie Hall. He is survived by his wife, Wilma of the home. Three sons: Alan (Debbie) of Plattsburg, MO., Larry (Edith) of Centralia, MO., and Ron (Amy) of Poteau, OK. Additional survivors include his brother: Kenneth Hall and grandchildren: Jeff Hall, Clint Hall, Marissa Termini, Jenny Sullivan, Wendy Baker and Grace Hall as well as 7 great grandchildren.
Bill Hall will be missed, however the things he taught his family and the example he set for others will benefit all those who knew him for the rest of their lives. We should all be more like Bill Hall.
Memorial Gifts suggested to the First Christian Church or Antioch Cemetery, in care of Bethany Memorial Chapel, P O Box 341, Bethany, MO 64424. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com