William “Bill” T. Erhardt, age 91, Concordia, KS, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Smoky Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center, Salina, KS. He was born on July 13, 1931 in Concordia, KS to Louis S. “Butch” & Mable (Paillette) Erhardt.
Bill was a life long Concordian. After attending Concordia schools, Bill worked construction jobs early in his career. Projects he helped build locally included the Co-Op Elevator and the St. Joseph Hospital. He later worked for the Cloud County Highway Department and then the Burlington & Missouri Pacific Railroad. In 1956, Bill went to work at Cloud Ceramics. He would work there for 36 years, holding a variety of jobs in brick handling/loading/logistics. He was always thankful for his long career at Cloud Ceramics and the many friendships that came from it.
Bill married Phyllis M. Lawyer on April 14, 1949 in Seneca, KS. To this union, two daughters were born, Sherrie and Rozanna. Bill and Phyllis spent a lot of time fishing and camping at lakes around Concordia, including Lovewell and Glen Elder. After retirement, they enjoyed being “snowbirds” in Texas for a few years until Phyllis’ health deteriorated. She preceded him in death on September 17, 2005.
After Phyllis’ passing and following a heart attack, Bill decided to become quite active. He started walking laps at Wal-Mart almost every morning and began going to dances in Salina and the surrounding areas. He thoroughly enjoyed this activity and the new friends he made. In the later years, he became a regular at the Senior Center in Concordia, shooting pool and helping with lunch, rarely missing a day. Bill was an avid fisherman throughout life. He had his own bait that he concocted for catfish and like any good fisherman, Bill had plenty of tall tale fishing stories. He appreciated all of his fishing companions and the early morning hours spent on the water. Bill adored his granddaughter, Jillian, who spent many weekends growing up at her grandparents’ home.
Bill was a member of the First Christian Church, the former Moose Lodge #1428 and American Legion #76.
Bill is survived by his son in law, Richard Radcliffe, Concordia; granddaughter, Jillian Richard (Craig), Overland Park, KS; great grandchildren, Evie and Griffin Richard and nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; daughters Sherrie Radcliffe and Rozanna Erhardt; granddaughter Melissa Radcliffe; his parents; brothers, John and Jim Erhardt; and a sister, Betty Alford.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS with Pastor Bob Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 1-8 pm at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Concordia Senior Citizens Center in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
