Bill Vivers

Bill B. Vivers, 83, of Paola Kansas died January 18, 2013 at Olathe Medical Center. He was born October 26, 1929 in Coffeyville Kansas to Harold and Dorothy (King) Vivers. He graduated from Coffeyville High School in 1948 and attended Tulsa University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Pittsburg State University. While attending college he worked as the manager of his parent"s Dairy Queen in Parsons. Bill was united in marriage to Hallee Scott on Oct. 3 1953 in Coffeyville. They made their home in Parsons before moving to Garnett and finally Paola in 1970. He established the East Central Kansas Special Education Co-operative, and served as the Director from 1970 until his retirement in 1996. Bill was a member of Miami County Master Gardeners and will be remembered for his tomato plants. He loved his gardens and flower beds & spending as much time as possible in his yard. He also loved feeding the wild birds and the fish in his back yard pond. He loved fishing with his children and grandchildren. Bill was a Tai Chi Master and was acknowledged in a book on Tai Chi. He enjoyed his time volunteering at the Parkinson's Institute teaching Tai Chi to people who suffered from Parkinson's. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister Patsy Woolf. Bill is survived by his wife Hallee of the home; two sons, Kevin (Pam) Vivers of Raytown, MO, Brett (Robin) Vivers, Overland Park, KS; one daughter Vanessa Knowles of Paola; four grandchildren, Erica Derr, Andrea Vivers, Melissa Vivers and Julie Knowles; four great-grandchildren Brayden, Reid and Liam Derr, and Scarlett Stewart. He is also survived by his dog, three legged Larry. The family invites you to a reception immediately following the service at Paola Senior Citizens Center. A memorial service in Coffeyville, Kansas will take place at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor"s charity of choice. Some of Bill's favorite charities he donated to were: Salvation Army, City Union Mission, Kansas City Rescue Mission, & Wounded Warriors. To share a memory of Bill or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.