William “Bill” Lasalle

William (Bill) Leigh LaSalle went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2016. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his nephew’s home in rural Whitewater. 

Bill was born July 18, 1947 in Norton, Kansas to Russell Leigh and Josephine Brooks Norris LaSalle. He graduated from Jennings High School and went to Kansas State University before being drafted into the United States Army where he served from August 1967 to July 1969 in Germany, during the Vietnam War. 

After his enlistment ended, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts at Fort Hays State University in 1972. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts also from Fort Hays State in 1975. Bill shared his love of Industrial Arts with students at Weskan and Morland High School for 13 years before joining his dad on the family farm in rural Clayton where he was a lifelong resident. 

Bill had a passion for woodworking and shared his talent with his family by providing them with furniture pieces for their homes. When he wasn’t farming or woodworking he also enjoyed collecting stamps, playing cards and spending time with his family. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Leigh and Josephine, his brother LaVone and his sister, Cecile.  Bill is survived by a niece, Traci Collins and her husband Alan and a nephew, Tim and his wife Ronda.  He is also survived by 8 great nephews and nieces.  “Uncle Bill” will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

Friends may call from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Clayton United Methodist Church on Feb 25, 2016. Funeral service to follow at 11:00.