William Robert Meairs, Jr.

William (Bill) Robert Meairs, Jr., 83, of Baldwin City, Kansas passed away on November 17, 2025 at the family homestead in Lawrence, Kansas after a short illness.

He was born on May 5, 1942 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to William Roscoe and Olive Viola (Keefer) Meairs.

He was a life-long farmer on his family’s historic homestead which was established in 1854. Two years ago, he sold the farm to another farming family who will continue its legacy. He moved to Baldwin, Kansas and finally got to enjoy his retirement while still being able to visit and work around the old farm. He always offered a helping hand to anyone who needed it and never asked for anything in return. He was always proud of his family’s pioneer heritage and would tell stories about their history to anyone who would listen.

Bill was a member of Future Farmers of America and 4-H when he was young. While farming and working the family dairy, he also worked at the Farmer’s Co-Op, the Wakarusa Fire Department, R.D. Johnson, and Lawrence Ready Mix. He was a member of the Wakarusa Drainage Board and a 30-year member of the Lawrence Railroad Club and enjoyed putting together model train displays. He was also an expert woodworker and made many pieces of furniture for his family. He could often be found in the winter in his woodshop next to a potbelly stove. In the last few years, he enjoyed driving to Arizona to escape the Kansas winter and to hang out with other Kansas farming friends.

Survivors include his niece, Lorie Williams, of Lawrence.

Preceding William in death are his parents, William R. and Olive Meairs; his sister, Betty (Meairs) Williams; and his wife, Joyce Meairs.

Services will be on Thursday, December 4 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Clinton Cemetery. The family will welcome friends at the farm after the burial.

The family suggests memorials in William’s name to the Watkins Community Museum or the Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.