It is with great love and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of William Ray Eversole, age 89, of Kearney, Missouri. William went home peacefully on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the University Extension Center, 100 S State Hwy Y, Plattsburg, Missouri. Interment will take place at a later date at Bethel Cemetery in Cosby, Missouri.
William was born on May 6, 1936, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Charles F. Eversole and Dora (Holloway) Eversole. He dedicated over three decades of his career to Victor L. Phillips, where his strong work ethic and easy humor earned the respect of his coworkers and friends.
A longtime member of Winwood Baptist Church, William’s faith and quiet strength were steady guides throughout his life. On April 24, 1955, he married the love of his life, Patricia Eversole, at that same church in Kansas City, Missouri. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and a whole lot of love. Patricia preceded him in death, and we can only imagine the joyful reunion now taking place.
William had a knack for turning even ordinary moments into adventures. He was known for taking long drives all over Missouri in search of “the best restaurant in the state” — even if he was the only one who thought so. He loved a good breakfast out, never turned down a milkshake, and could spin a story that kept everyone laughing.
More than anything, William adored his family. His unwavering love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the heartbeat of his days. Whether cheering them on, or telling his tall tales “Grandpa Bill” made each one feel like his favorite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Patricia, three sisters, and five brothers.
He is survived by his children: Katherine Sartain (Eric), Judith Gordy (Mike), Pamela Oakes (Rick), and Charles Eversole (Sherilyn); grandchildren: Trish Lewis (Brett Fry), Kristi Hullman, Brian Cory, Steven Cory (Laura), Carl Oakes (Felicia), Ashley Eversole (Rick Duncan), Megan Hill (Ryan), Chelsey Ritter (Zack), Brandon Gordy (Kayleigh), and Rachel Carr (Ryan); great-grandchildren: Samantha Wilkerson (Dustin), Jill Lewis, Jaiden Lewis, Jake Lewis, Ryder Hullman, Liam Cory, Kyleigh Oakes, Anastasia Carr, April Carr, Kassidy Oakes, Maeve Hill, Layna Gordy, Delaney Fry, and Archer Fry, Zaidyn Wood,Parker VanMaele, Emilee VanMaele, Taylor Money, Jordyn Money, Connor Haak,Tynlee Haak, Willow Skinner. Great- Great- Grand Children: Waylon Wilkerson,Maxton Wilkerson.
William will be remembered for his humor, his heart and his love of a good meal (especially breakfast), and the laughter he brought wherever he went.
