WILLIAM KOLBE ARMSWORTHY

Thursday, March 29, 2012

William Kolbe Armsworthy, a resident of rural Bronaugh, Mo., died Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Christian Health Care in Nevada.

He was born March 31, 1920, in Garland, Kan., the son of Frank A. Armsworthy and Ella Marie Kolbe Armsworthy. He married Thelma Marie Gulliford Dec. 24, 1940, in Lamar, Mo. She preceded him in death on Sept. 28, 2010.

Bill graduated from the Bronaugh High School. He later served with the United States Army during World War II, where he served in the European Theater. Bill farmed in the Bronaugh area for many years. In addition to farming, he also worked as a carpenter. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and keeping up with his children and grandchildren's activities.

In his earlier years he served as school board president and township president. He also served as a bus driver for the Bronaugh School District. He had been a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as woodworking and traveling.

Survivors include two daughters, Patty Clinton and husband Don and Jean Hahnfeld and husband Terry, all of Bronaugh.

Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kolbe Starne and wife Abby, Bronaugh, Nathan Starne and wife Crystal, Sheldon, Mo., Shane Clinton, Bronaugh, and Stacy Clinton, Carl Junction, Mo.; and four great-grandchildren, Arin, Brant, Ethan and Brody Starne.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elina Armsworthy, who died in infancy and Betty Clark Wyckoff.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2012, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until they leave for the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Vernon County Chapter of the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.