William J. “Bill” Scott, 95, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully Monday, December 25, 2023, surrounded by his children.
He was born in St. Joseph on September 16, 1928, to Andrew A. and Louise M. (Voth) Scott. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1946.
After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Bill returned to St. Joseph and earned his Associate’s Degree in Journalism from St. Joseph Junior College in 1948.
Bill married Nancy Lou Craig on April 30, 1951. They shared 30 years together until she preceded him in death on August 19, 1981.
Later, Bill married Sherryl W. Sansone in August 1999. She survives him.
Bill had a storied 40-year career at the St. Joseph News-Press & Gazette, starting out as a newsboy and retiring as City Editor. He also was a member of the Missouri Sports Writers Association. A humble man who was reluctant to take praise, he was well-liked and well-respected in the community and in his profession.
Bill lived his faith as a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He also was a devoted family man who instilled a sense of love among his children. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone and set an inspiring example for his children to follow.
Bill enjoyed fishing, traveling, reading and music, and was a prolific writer with a wonderful sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy; his parents; and siblings, Margaret Sandusky, Dorothy Barnes, Francis X. Scott, and Thomas E. Scott.
Other survivors include his children, Stephanie Hoecker (Brian), Bill Scott, Jr. (Patty), Kent Scott (Cindy), and Mary Fogle (Ron); 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marilyn J. Barnes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Living Community as well as Mosaic Hospice for their special care.
Mass of Christian Burial and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 5:30 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will gather with friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
