William E. "Bill" Whitacre

William E. “Bill” Whitacre, 88, of Ottawa, passed away at his home Sunday, April 15, 2018, with his family by his side. Family will meet with friends from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Private family inurnment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. William was born January 22, 1930, in Ottawa, the son of Eugene Kelley and Roberta Pauline (McAuley) Whitacre. He lived in Kansas City, moving to Ottawa, where he was a near lifelong resident. He attended Ottawa schools. Bill served in the Kansas Army National Guard with the 127th Field Artillery Battalion. He was honorably discharged January 21, 1957, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Bill was united in marriage to Glenna Lu Meador April 6, 1952, at Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his three children, Bruce Whitacre and wife Vicki of Ottawa, Keith Whitacre also of Ottawa, and Virginia Howe and husband Paul of Overland Park; two siblings, Imogene Honn of Ottawa, and Sonny Murdock of Washington; six grandchildren, Brandon Whitacre and wife Stephanie, Brodi Gallick and husband Blake, Kyle Whitacre, Derrek Whitacre, Sydney Howe, and Holly Howe; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Robert Whitacre and Sharon Wise. Bill came from a large family of painters. He continued that line of work becoming a self-employed painter for 42 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed drawing and loved spending time with his family. The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Bill’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com