Dr. William Sparks Benkelman passed away in the early morning of December 24, 2023. He was born on October 14, 1944, in St. Francis, KS to Charles Wilmot Benkelman and Melba (Sparks) Benkelman and grew up in McDonald, KS. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1967. Bill married Susan Noble Hancock on June 8, 1965, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage. The couple moved to WaKeeney in 1967 where Bill practiced optometry for 42 years.
Bill was a Free Mason for over 50 years serving as master, secretary, and treasurer. He was a life member of the American Optometric Association and Kansas Optometric Association. Bill and Susan were team members on 10 Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity trips to Central America, South America, and Africa. Bill was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, and he served as a board member and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a Scoutmaster for Troop #165 for many years where he taught numerous young men the appreciation of the outdoors.
Bill was a man that loved the seasons. Spring meant harvesting asparagus and hunting wild morel mushrooms along with crappie fishing. Summer offered gardening, wiper fishing and spending time at the Cedar Bluff cabin. The 4th of July was his favorite holiday and he and Susan hosted many parties on this day. He made an annual trip for over 40 years to the Poudre River Canyon in Colorado to fly fish with family and friends. September 1st was the start of dove season and fall brought cutting firewood, more fishing, and the start of upland bird season. Winter was more hunting, fishing, reading, and playing cribbage in front of the wood stove.
Bill was a respected member of the community. His main goal in life was to make people laugh and he was known for his jokes, limericks, and impersonations. He was a genuine friend and mentor to people of all ages.
Bill is survived by his sons, Barry H. Benkelman and wife Susan K. of Lawrence, KS and John H. Benkelman and wife Dr. Heather Robben of Riga, KS; three grandsons, William L. of Laramie of WY, Jackson K. of Lawrence, KS, and Hans S. of Riga, KS; two brothers, Brent and wife Virginia of Manhattan, KS and Paul and wife Georgette of Wheatridge, CO; brother-in-law, John L. Hancock of Jacksonville, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father and his wife, Susan H. Benkelman.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2023, at 11am with visitation 9:30-10:30am before the service at the First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials can be sent to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org or Boy Scout Troop #165, 1621 N 6th, WaKeeney, KS 67672 or may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.