William Strobel

William Clyde “Bill” Strobel, of La Monte, Missouri, passed away at his home on Wednesday evening, at 10:21 p.m., July 12, 2017, with his beloved wife and son by his side.

Bill lived an adventurous life of 79 years, 5 months, and 29 days.

It was on January 13, 1938, in McGirk, Missouri, that the home of August Adam and Mary Leona (Smith) Strobel was blessed with a son. Bill attended and completed his formal education through Trinity Lutheran School near Russellville, Missouri. After his Confirmation, he and a friend traveled through Texas to obtain employment. It was to their enjoyment that their first stop was the well-known 852,000-acre Texas, “King Ranch,” where they inquired to be hired as cowhands. Unfortunately, the ranch was not hiring which began their journey further south to the shores of Galveston, finding employment working on an offshore oil rig. After returning home he proudly enlisted with the United States Air Force. He had earned a liking from his Sergeant through his singing voice and the Sergeant would only allow the men in the platoon a cigarette break if they could get Bill to sing them all a song. Unfortunately, he was days from completing boot camp and was diagnosed with a mastoid and was given an Honorable Medical Discharge. This deeply saddened him because his greatest desire was to serve his country. The Sergeant was also disappointed with the discharge report, as Bill had already been recommended to join the USO. It was a great honor for Bill to be thought of and recommended by his favorite Sergeant.

Bill met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Faye Woods on September 28, 1961, in Independence, Missouri, and they were blessed with three children. Bill loved to keep busy and he was the owner and operator of his own trucking company. He also owned dump trucks he and his son drove. He hauled mostly refrigerated freight and hanging meat. In 1974 Bill moved his family to Wyoming to work as a Heavy Machine Operator. Bill then journeyed to Alaska to find his fortune and was guided to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, which was the furthest north you could safely travel. He became homesick and unfortunately, no fortunes were found or gained. After returning home, he decided he wanted to obtain his education and began taking GED classes in Ray County, with eventually earning the gratification of this success by receiving his diploma. He went even further and enrolled to State Fair Community College. He was a disc jockey for the morning show, “Bill Baileys Golden Oldies” with KDRO 1490 AM Radio, Sedalia. He also disc jockeyed for The Lake 97.1 Warsaw, and KIX 105.7 FM, Knob Noster, and it was during this time he owned a used car business.

He had only one pastime that possibly could cost him money instead of earning and that was going to the casino in Boonville. The Crossroads Hospice Group had told him if he was to get stronger that they would make the needed arrangements to take him to play the slots, but sadly he wasn’t able to make this trip. The sentiment had given him the needed memories and peace he desired. Bill was loved by many and never met a stranger living a very enlightened life, always working and enjoying himself wherever he journeyed.

Bill is survived by his wife Bonnie of the home; his four children, Don Strobel of Independence, Missouri, Candace Thornton of Arkansas, David Strobel of La Monte, Missouri, and Timothy Strobel, of West Virginia; brother and sister-in-law, Earnest “Eddie” and Mary Strobel of Branson, Missouri; seven grandchildren; D.J., Jeremy, Harmony, Heather, Joshua, Nathan, and Brandon,; and 10 great-grandchildren; Nicholes, Brianna Faye, the twins, Brett, and Cole, David, Katrina, Athena, Annika, Nathan Jr., and Alex .

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Mary; and sisters, Beulah Childs and Carolyn Tripp.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Memorial contributions may be offered in Bill’s memory to the Dialysis Clinic of Sedalia.

Serving the family, Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, Missouri.