OBITUARY: WILLIAM (BILL) DAVID AKRIGHT William (Bill) David Akright, 90, Leawood, KS, passed away peacefully December 13, 2017. Bill was born in Eureka, KS, on August 31, 1927, the son of George and Faye Akright. He graduated from Omaha North High School and the University of Kansas, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He served stateside in the U.S. Navy Seabees during WWII, primarily at Camp Parks, CA. Bill married Mary Lou (Brewer) on February 1, 1950, and together they had three sons: Bruce (Laura), San Antonio, TX; Brent (Becky), Overland Park; and Brad (Susan), Olathe. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 34 years, achieving the position of Division Chief, and retiring in 1986. During that time, he and his family lived in Fairway, KS, Kirkwood, MO, Springfield, IL, and Leawood, KS. Late in his career, Bill served assignments for the U.S. Treasury and State departments in Liberia and later in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he and Mary Lou lived for 3 years. Bill served as a volunteer special deputy for the Johnson County, KS, Sheriff's Office in the 1950s, and was active in the Johnson County Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving as president and state director, and gaining lifelong friendships. He served on the Board of Directors of the Mazuma Credit Union for over 25 years, including as chairman, and was a long-time volunteer at St. Joseph Medical Center, with over 7,500 hours served. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church for nearly 40 years, serving as treasurer and on the vestry, and later Church of the Resurrection, contributing in both service and leadership roles. Bill loved adventure, and traveled extensively throughout his life. No trip was too small (family camping trips) or too big (the world), as he and Mary Lou visited dozens of countries on 5 continents, often with family or friends. Bill flew private planes, carved treasured wooden crosses and mementos, led his sons' Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops, researched genealogy, taught computer classes, and could never pass up trying out the latest new gadget. Boating and lake life were cherished, with many happy days spent at the Ozarks and Lake Lotawana. Most importantly, Bill was kind, patient, generous, funny, and always willing to lend a helping hand; he was a loving husband, a great role model for his sons, and an attentive, affectionate, playful grandpa (Opa) and great-grandpa. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim. He is survived by his wife of 67 years and their sons, along with 10 grandchildren: Tim (Stephanie Dobler), Brian, Andy (Katie), Kevin, Christine (Brian Kuechler), Danny, Elizabeth, David (Kaitlyn), Jennifer, and Cathryn; and five great grandchildren. Visitation at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, in the Wesley Chapel, Building C, at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS, with service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Alzheimer's Assoc., Heart of America Chapter (https://www.alz.org/kansascity/), Church of the Resurrection Foundation (www.COR.org/Leawood/Give), or a charity of your choice.
(Published in Kansas City Star on Dec. 26, 2017.}