William Joseph “Bill” Colin of Eureka, died on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Greenwood County Hospital, in Eureka, at the age of 77.
He was born on July 14, 1946, in Jackson County, Missouri, the son of Howard W. and Ethel L. (Michael) Colin. He was raised in the Kansas City area and graduated from the Kansas City Christian School. He was a diesel mechanic for Peterbuilt. After moving to Eureka, Bill did maintenance at Greenwood County Hospital for many years.
Bill will most be remembered affectionately (or perhaps not so affectionately) for his ornery streak. He loved to fish and do leatherworking and woodworking. He found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to fish among other things. While Bill may have been known for his occasional grumble, those who knew him best will remember his unwavering love for his family, his quiet pride in his handiwork, and the twinkle in his eye when he reeled in a whopper of a fish.
On October 1, 1964, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Eick. To this union, two sons were born: Michael and Donald. This marriage later ended in divorce. In 1969, Bill was united in marriage to Hazel Cannady. To this union, one daughter Penny, was born. This marriage later ended in divorce.
On November 12, 2001, Bill was united in marriage to Shirley Nell (Derringer) Henley in Eureka. They made their home in Eureka and Bill became papa to Shirley’s children and grandchildren. Shirley preceded him in death on February 15, 2007. On April 7, 2013, Bill was united in marriage to Della Raye Reusze in Toronto. They made their home in Eureka.
Bill is survived by his wife, Della of the home; two children: Michael Colin of Leavenworth; and Penny Ratzlaff of Independence, Missouri; eight step-children: Bonita Watts of Toronto; Mikala Smith of Fall River; May Damron of Falls City, Nebraska; William Henley of Severy; and Reatha Attard of Junction City; Richard Reusze of Rupert, Idaho; Christina Marolf of Warner Robins, Georgia; and Media McGrath of Madison; and numerous grandchildren and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; and one son, Donald Colin.
Family memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation has been effected. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.
