William Oliver Luce 76, of St. Joseph, MO, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026.
William was born June, 8, 1949, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, to parents Elsie M. (Schmidt) and Perry E. Luce.
He grew up in Saint Joseph, Missouri and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1967. William furthered his education and attended Northwest Missouri State University and graduated with a BS in Education with Social Studies emphasis in the fall of 1970; a MA in History in the summer of 1974; and took post Grad-Classes in Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri at Rolla.
William married Sharon (Shadduck) Luce and had one daughter, Tamela Luce.
With his Master's degree, William would later gain employment as an educator and work for a total of 45 years, teaching history at the high school level. He had taught at such places as, HamiltonR-II from 1972-1976, Savannah R-III from 1976-2012, and MoWest from 2012-2017 as an Adjunct Professor of history. Since 1993, he had taught dual credit classes in Western Civilization. These classes were offered in a joint effort with UMKC and more recently, Missouri Western State University.
William received multiple awards during his life time. Such achievements were, past president Missouri Academic Coaches Association; Past president of local NEA, Savannah Chapter ; State Manager for MSHSAA Quiz Bowl 2008 to 2022; twice selected by Savannah students as their Teacher of the Year in 1995 and 1997; named 13 times by Savannah students attending Missouri Scholars Academy as the Teacher who had the biggest impact on their lives; once selected as District Teacher of the Year for Savannah R-III School District; St. Joseph area chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Teacher of the year 2000; Governors Excellence is Humanities in Education Award (presented by the Missouri Humanities Council) 2007; selected 6 times by the Missouri Academic Coaches Association as Quiz Bowl Coach of the Year; and the Distinguished Service Award presented by MSHSAA in 2013.
William proceeded to continue his achievements even after retirement, being a member of many organizations. He was the executive Director of the Pony Express Therapy Dogs in 2014; a past board member of Robidoux Resident Theater from 2017 to 2024; the Vice President of Homeowners Association for Carriage Hills; Board member for InterServ in 2025; and a proud member of the Zion United Church of Christ. His passion for the Zion United Church of Christ would lead him to become the Vice President.
He also assisted in organizing a program during COVID to provide over 6,000 meals for children in 2020, and helped to plan and deliver meals to Haven House.
His caring nature never ceased to amaze those around him.
William is proceeded in death by, parents, Perry E. Luce and Elsie M. (Schmidt) Luce Adams; and Step-Father, Harold Adams.
Survivors include, wife, Sharon (Shadduck) Luce, of Saint Joseph, MO; and daughter, Tamela Luce (Tom Joyce), of Phoenixville, PA.
William has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
Services will be held February 8, 2026, at Zion United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm followed by a service at 3:00 pm. Co-officiating Pastor Tammy Linningham and Andy Halamar.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Pony Express Therapy Dogs, Savannah School District RC, or Robidoux Resident Theater.
