William Doudna

William K. Doudna, age 81, formerly of Paola, passed away peacefully at his home in Olathe with his wife by his side on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. William was born in La Cygne, Kansas on October 20, 1934 to Oliver and Ollie Mae Doudna. Growing up he attended schools in Fontana, Overbrook and Osawatomie graduating in 1952. Bill married Grace Tinsley in 1960 in Paola and they were the parents of four children, Phyllis, Mary, Cheryl, and Kenneth. Grace passed away in 1985. In April of 1987 he married Karen Harris and they resided in Olathe for 28 years. Bill had worked in the grocery business in Paola following school. Upon moving to Olathe, he began a 25 year career with Honeywell Industries. Since retiring he enjoyed yard work, gardening, painting, listening to his music collection, and traveling, including several cruises, until his health began to fail. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Charles, Larry, and Carl; sister Bernice Cornett; a grandson, a son-in-law, and a step son. He is survived by his wife Karen; sister Jane Amos of Parsons, KS; sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Thad Gray of Cabot, AR; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three step sons; ten step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. He leaves behind a host of friends who will remember a caring, gentle and a truly good man. Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. To share a special memory of William or leave a condolence message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" tab.