William Chambers

William G. (Bill) Chambers passed away at his home on April 18, 2005, in La Cygne, following a lengthy illness. His wife, Shirley, family and friends surrounded him. He was born March 31, 1933, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Robert T. and Ruth Lee (Godman) Chambers. His mother, father and his infant son, William G. Chambers Jr., preceded him in death as well as his brothers, Robert James (Jim) Chambers, John Joseph (Joe) Chambers and Donald Lee (Don) Chambers; his brothers-in-law, Vernon Long, Dennis Duncan and John Parker; and son-in-law, Stephen M. Lawrence. He leaves this world with many loved ones: Shirley, his remarkable wife of 52 years; daughters, Ruth Lawrence, Susan and husband Kenny Walker, Janet and husband Walt Eldridge, and Linda Jo Chambers and Steve Hisel; son, Robert G. Chambers and wife Jamie, along with 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sister, Jaunita Long; sisters-in-law, Virginia Chambers, Sara Chambers, Donna Parker, Doris Belcher, Sue Duncan and Barbara Duncan; brothers-in-law, Dean Duncan and Ralph Belcher; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bill joined the U.S. Navy in 1951. He married Shirley Ann Duncan Sept. 12, 1953, beginning their family in 1954, which continued to grow every two or three years until 1963. In 1961 he left the Navy. In 1965 he opened a ready-mix plant, Mo-Kan Concrete, and became a legend in the industry. The late ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s it was life in the fast lane of construction companies, more ready-mix plants, flatwork crews, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandkids, developments and even oil refineries - followed by heart attacks, bypass surgeries and knee replacements. In 1989 his failing health forced him to retire. He moved to La Cygne where he got in a few small ventures but spent most of his time with his family and friends. Bill had always loved the outdoors and following retirement he was able to spend more time on his farms, tending to his cattle and frequenting the sale barns. He was called "Papa" by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and to almost everyone else he came in contact with. His generous, warm, kind and loving spirit kindled friendships beyond measure and he will be missed very much. In lieu of floral offerings, the family suggests a memory in his honor made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, La Cygne, Kan. 66040. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2005, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, La Cygne. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in La Cygne, Friday, April 22, 2005, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan., following the funeral mass in La Cygne.