- Date Of Birth: December 7, 1947
- Date Of Death: January 10, 2021
- State: Texas
William “Bill” McNamar, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in his home at Belton, TX on January 10, 2021 at the age of 73.
Bill was born in Keokuk, IA on 12-7-47 to Frank and Alice McNamar. He attended high school in Bronson, KS where he met and married his wife of 53 years, Mazie. Once married, they moved to Fort Scott, KS where Bill started his education at Fort Scott Community Junior College during the day and worked nights full-time as a printing press operator. During this time, their family grew with the birth of their son, Rodney in 1969 and their daughter, Toni in 1972. Bill continued his education at Pittsburgh State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In these early years, Bill enlisted in the Kansas National Guard, where he served for six years.
While in Kansas, Bill loved serving his community. He coached league basketball teams from elementary through high school ages, was a leader in the Jaycee’s (serving as president, winning Jaycee of the year and leading the free city-wide barbecue and rodeo), mentored children through Junior Achievement and also taught a printing class at a local college.
Bill continued to work in the printing industry throughout his career, holding several titles, including Director of Manufacturing and Vice President of manufacturing. This industry, led him to other areas of the country, including Fredericktown, OH and Arlington, TX. He retired in 2006.
Bill was a loving father and grandfather (known to his grandkids as “Papa”). He was a leader in the Athletic and Band Booster Clubs and the #1 cheerleader in anything his family was involved in. He was always in attendance encouraging and supporting his family in anything they wanted to try.
Bill loved creating. He was a skilled woodworker, building anything you might need from candlesticks, to furniture and built their family home in Kansas, a gazebo for his wife, and a gingerbread playhouse for his grandkids. He passed on his woodworking skills to his family over the years, holding “camp papa” with his grandkids. He was a skilled problem solver and the family math expert (helping all of the kids and grandkids with their homework).
Bill enjoyed basketball, playing bridge with his friends, hunting, fishing and camping. He had a love for cars, especially his 1966 Corvette and all things Elvis. He was known for his barbecue sauce, jerky and his thanksgiving stuffing. He loved all dogs, caring for many family pets over the years, leaving his current dog, Charlie.
Bill is survived by his wife Mazie, daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Keith Ragsdale, 6 grandkids: Shelby, Sydney, Eric, Casey, Carly and Abbie, his son Rodney’s wife, Bobbie McNamar, 2 sisters Carol Baird and Donna Schulz, brother-in-law Bill Deer and his wife Marsha, several nieces and nephews, and many friends from around the country.
Bill is preceded in death by his son Rodney McNamar, parents Frank and Alice McNamar, sister Lena Byrd, brother Jerry McNamar and parents-in-law Everett and Cleone Deer.
If you see an Elvis movie or hear and Elvis song, think of Bill. These always brought him joy.
