William Wilder Hosey

William Wilder Hosey, known affectionately to all as Bill, undeniably embodied the spirit of joy and resilience throughout his 66 years of a well-lived life. Born on August 17, 1957, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, he carried with him the simplicity and strength of the plains, cultivated from a young age into a legacy that will long outlive him. On March 29, 2024, Bill, surrounded by the comforts of his home in Topeka, Kansas, and the love of his family, peacefully departed this world and went to his eternal home in heaven, his life a testament to the power of positivity and love.

Bill was a beacon of unwavering support and cheer for his family, friends, and community. Preceded in his journey by his parents, Rita and Lemuel Hosey, and his brother Joe Hosey, Bill's life was further marked by the footsteps of his treasured yellow lab, Sarge, who without a doubt was waiting with a wagging tail on the other side to greet his best friend. Bill's legacy is carried forward by his beloved soulmate and wife of 37 years, Kathy, whose partnership stood as a paragon of devotion and joy. Their sons Christopher [Amber], William "Joey" [Paige] and Jacob, along with their daughter Jenna, the living echoes of their father's virtues that they will carry on for the rest of their lives. Along with his big brother, Dan Hosey [Isabelle] and family.

Bill's love story extended to his granddaughters that he loved dearly—Jules Elaine, Jordyn Reese, Arya Lynn, and Nova Leigh Hosey—who will grow up with stories of their "Papa Hosey", whose enthusiasm for life was as limitless as the sky. His childhood best friend, Jay Dee Walters, stands as a testament to the enduring power of true camaraderie and shared adventures. Bill had many other friends whose lives he touched along his journey on this earth.

Bill's zest for life shone brightest on the ballfields, watching with pride as his children took up bats and gloves, turning double plays, throwing strikes, and stealing bases—a metaphor for his own approach to life, always engaging, always part of a team. His unabashed cheering and affirming presence was a constant source of motivation for every player and parent alike.

It wasn't just the love of the game that drove Bill to the stands; it was his unwavering belief in the potential of each individual to achieve their best, both on and off the field. He saw every strike as a set-up for a home run, every out as a chance to make a better play next time around. For Bill, the true victory was in the effort, the camaraderie, and the joy of the game itself—the same principles he applied to his own journey through life.

Bill was a man who never shied away from the curveball's life threw at him. With every challenge, he stepped up to the plate with a smile, ready to swing with all his might. His was a life that urged us all to seize the day, to appreciate each moment, and to find happiness in the successes of those we love.

And so, as we bid farewell to William Wilder Hosey, let us embrace his spirit, his laughter, and his boundless optimism. Let his memory be a reminder to cherish the simple joys, to support our loved ones with gusto, and to live each day with the kind of passion that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary.

As the sun sets on a life so brightly lived, may we all take a leaf from Bill's book and step boldly into our own lives, playing every inning to the fullest, loving without reservation, and always, always rooting for the home team. Bill Hosey may have left the field, but his legacy endures, urging us onwards, upwards, and into the loving embrace of a life well-lived. Let us celebrate Bill, not with a sense of loss, but with the joyous acknowledgment that, in his time here with us, he truly knocked it out of the park.

Bill's memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2024 at 5:00pm. The service will be held at Victory City Church. The address of the church is 2622 SE 6th St. Topeka, Kansas 66607.