"Bill" William Jack Frankie Rich passed away due to complications with lung cancer in St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, KS on Easter morning, April 9, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born on September 22, 1939, in Ashland, KS to Lloyd and Agidia (Wasinger) Rich and preceded in death by his wife Peggy Alice Rich and brother Myrel Rich.

Bill is survived by his children Ashley Rich & Mel Baier of Garden City KS, Michael & Kelly Rich of Queen Creek AZ, Douglas & Holly Rich of Mesa AZ, and Leslie Rich of Tirana, Albania. He is also survived by his brother Dan & Kay Rich of Ashland KS, his foster son Rick Rogers & Kody of Scott City, KS, and his in-laws Barbara Dewey of Cimarron KS, Sally & Steve Elmore of Ashland KS. Bill was a proud grandfather to seven surviving grandchildren - Jacob & Joshua (Michael), Eric, Reilly & Jack (Douglas), and Mikahael & Darrie (Rick).

Raised on the Rich family farm, which was located 3 miles east of Protection, KS, Bill graduated from Protection High School in 1957. In 1961, he received his bachelor's degree in Vocational/Agricultural Education from Kansas State University, where he also played football and ran hurdles for the track team.

Bill met the love of his life, Peggy (Rogers), when both were high school teachers at Inman, KS, and they were married in 1962. Bill and Peggy celebrated 56 years of marriage before her passing in 2018. Easter was Peggy's favorite holiday, and many believe it was fitting that Bill was reunited with her on that day. Bill and Peggy were able to build their dream home in 2004 on the Rich family farm where they were able to enjoy their retirements.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved being active, hunting, and helping guide others on hunting adventures. He particularly enjoyed fishing, a passion he passed on to all of his children. He spent 18 years serving Clark County and surrounding areas in Soil Conservation until he retired in 2005. Bill was also actively involved in his community, serving on various boards and committees, including the Ashland School Board, Protection Library Board, and as a former deacon at the Protection First Baptist Church. In addition to his love of the outdoors, Bill was an avid gardener and a voracious reader. He also had a mischievous sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends. Bill was a champion of underdogs, never met a stranger, and was loved by many.

Bill will be remembered as a kind and generous man who touched the lives of many. His family and friends will miss him dearly, but his memory will live on in their hearts forever.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2023 at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, a Graveside Service will be held at 9:30 a.m., in the Protection Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Protection, with Pastor Rusty Westerfield presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Patricia, Peggy, Bill Rich Children in Need Services" in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.