Bill S. Springer

Billy Scott “Bill” Springer was born in Oregon, Missouri on March 4, 1926. He was one of two children of Emmett and Blanche (Hodgin) Springer. Bill graduated from Oregon High School and also held a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarkio College. He later took graduate coursework at the University of Missouri.

In 1944, at the age of 18, Bill joined the Army Air Corps. He trained as a gunner on B-17 bombers, and did the last eight months of his two years as a supply clerk Sgt. In 1949 Bill enlisted in the Air Force Reserve for 3-1/2 years.

On Sept. 8, 1949 Bill married Beverly Jean Harbison in Tarkio, Missouri. They lived in Rock Port where they had children, Kristy, Kendra, & Kendal. They moved to Tarkio in 1961.

Bill was employed with the St Joseph Light & Power Company for most of his working career, and many will recall he concurrently managed the Rock Port and Tarkio Theaters for a few years in the late 60's and early 70's.

Beverly passed away in 1970. Bill married Joyce (Davenport) Hedrick on Nov. 24, 1972 and they recently celebrated their 43 ^rd anniversary.

Surrounded by family, Bill passed away on Nov. 27, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 89.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Beverly. Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of their home; daughters, Kristy (Duane) Umbarger of Tarkio, Kendra (Jack) Naylor of Clarinda, Iowa; sons, Kendal (Annjlee) Springer of Pekin, Illinois, Curtis (Gail) Hedrick of Tarkio, Craig (Diana) Hedrick of Platte City, Missouri; sister, Nida (Don) Solliday of Mount Ayr, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 am on Wed, Dec. 2, 2015 at the Tarkio First Baptist Church. Interment with military honors: Tarkio Home Cemetery. Memorials:  Tarkio Community Services.