William T. Sherbert “Bill”, 85, passed away August 2nd, 2024, in Chapman, KS. He is now reunited with his wife, Phyllis, whom he lost less than 6 months ago. Bill passed away with his daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters near him. He was born October 4th, 1938, in Broughton, KS. Bill was born to parents Akin and Mary (Townsend) Sherbert. Bill was raised and attended grade school in the Gatesville community. He graduated from high school in Clay Center. Bill married the love of his life, Phyllis Pittenger, on October 14, 1961.
Bill was an amazing welder, and could build almost anything, making it look as if a professional had built it. When Bill was younger, he welded at Gilmore-Tatge, and later at Hutchinson- Mayrath, both in Clay Center. Between his welding jobs, Bill also worked in construction for several years at Kansas State University. While in his early 70’s, Bill welded a cab for his Gator, which made it much more comfortable to do chores around the farm during the cold months. His granddaughters loved helping with farm chores and going for Gator rides with their grandpa. Bill also welded a deer wench, which allowed him to continue hunting in his later years, while Bill and Phyllis still lived on the farm.
Bill had many loves in his life- he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved to fish, hunt deer, trap and garden. If it involved being outside, Bill did it and loved doing it. Bill loved taking family and friends deer hunting. He was quite a marksman, not only hunting game but he also won marksmanship awards while part of the National Guard. At times, deer hunting was practically mandatory for his family, who would join alongside him. His oldest granddaughter, Megan loved deer hunting with her grandpa, while Mallary, terrified of the woods, did not. After retirement, Bill enjoyed helping Phyllis with the dog kennel. Bill and Phyllis enjoyed gardening together throughout their lives. They planted and grew a wide variety of vegetables, not only for the entire family, but for friends and neighbors, as well. Bill even taught himself to cook and bake when Phyllis no longer could. Many Sunday meals were spent with Sondy’s family, and Bill would always bring his specialty- Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Bill was a great storyteller and enjoyed sharing stories with family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. His stories would always end with a lot of laughter. Bill was a hard worker, spending almost every day working outside, sun up to sun down, or even later. When Bill wasn’t working, he enjoyed going on family vacations. It didn’t matter if it was camping just a few miles from the farm at Milford Lake with friends and family, or just going out for the day boating on the lake. One year, Bill and Phyllis took their two grandchildren on vacation, picked up son Bill Jr at the Denver airport, and the five spent a fun week in Colorado, including a white-water rafting trip.
Bill and Phyllis loved spending time together in Branson, MO. Other trips to Branson included the entire family, enjoying theme parks and outdoor activities. Bill was also fond of going to Nebraska to visit his sister Kay, husband Dennis, and their boys. On one trip to Nebraska, Bill got to experience the “Quack Off” with Phyllis, Sondy’s family and Kay’s family. Another whole-family vacation was spent traveling to Arizona to visit his sister Janet, and daughter Jacki. Sister Kay was along as well, and Bill Jr joined the group in Flagstaff, AZ.
Bill was a member of the Elk’s for over 50 years, a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, and the Grange. Music and singing were a passion of Bill’s. He was a member of his high school Glee Club and always had music playing on the farm.
Bill’s pride and joy was his family- first his wife, then his kids when they were born, and then his two granddaughters when they came along. As his family grew larger, so did his smile and his heart. Bill was a loving man who always put his family first, especially his granddaughters.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; sisters Ruth Annis and Janet Waters; and brother Dwight Sherbert.
Survivors include: Daughter Sondy and husband, Jeff Knitter, Son Bill Sherbert, Jr and husband, Charles Tripp, Granddaughters: Megan and husband, Justin Espeseth and Mallary Knitter. Great-grandchildren: Paige, Payton, Brody and Stetson Espeseth.
Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10AM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Gatesville Cemetery in Clay County, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to Chapman Valley Manor or Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice and can be sent in care of the funeral home.
