William “Bill” J. Medaris

Services for William Jean Medaris, 92, Eudora will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday December 4, 2017 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Bill passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Medicalodges Eudora.

William was born on November 22, 1925 in Barry, Illinois the son of Thurman Daniel and Nina Don (Predmore) Medaris. Both preceded him in death.

William attended school in Hannibal, MO and graduated from Hannibal High School in 1944. William attended Hannibal LaGrange College and graduated in 1946.

William served in the Marine Corp from March 1944 to June 1946. During his service with the Marine Corp. he was involved in operations in Iwo Jima. At the end of WWII, William remained overseas and served in Japan for one year. William was discharged in June of 1946. At this time William joined the Missouri National Guard. William was discharged in 1949.

William joined the SS Kresge Company in St. Louis in 1946 and was in the manager training program. During that time, William served as an assistant manager. William left the SS Kresge Company and became manager for the T.H. Mayes stores in St. Louis. William married Betty L. Andrews in 1951 in St. Louis. A daughter, Muffy Jean was born in 1952. They divorced in 1956.

William returned to the SS Kresge Company in 1956. William became manager and served in this capacity in several different locations in the U.S. William transferred to Lawrence in 1971 to work at the K-Mart Distribution Center and retired in 1990.

William married Mamie Rassette in 1959. She passed away in 1989.

William is a past Commander of the American Legion, past President of High 12 and member of the VFW all in Lawrence. Member of the Masonic Lodge in Hannibal, MO, Scottish Rite and Order of the White Shrine in Lawrence, Abdallah Shrine in Kansas City, Order of the Amaranth, True Kindred of Kansas, and Royal Order of Scotland in Kansas City.

Survivors include his daughter, Muffy Jean Bailey and her husband, Dennis; two grandsons, Tim Willhite and his wife, Beth, Aaron Willhite; two great granddaughters, Corinne and Claire Willhite; all of St. Louis. Dearest friends of Susan Scannell and Teri Pierce. Becky and Kevin Harper, children Theresa and Craig. Peggy and Melvin Jones, children Jaleah and Jamie.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Shriners Hospital for Children and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com