William Russell Ransdall

William Russell Ransdall was born December 4, 1919 in Augusta, Kansas to Luther and Lucille (Smith) Ransdall, and departed this life on the morning of July 6, 2009. Bill graduated high school in Augusta, Kansas. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp on December 23, 1940 and then transferred to the U.S. Air Force. Bill went to pilot school in Yuma, Arizona and fired the highest gunnery score ever recorded at that time, and his wings were so engraved. Bill attained rank of First Lieutenant and flew 76 combat missions in World War II as a fighter pilot in P40s and P47s. Bill was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force August 12, 1945. Bill settled in Waynesville, Missouri after the war and married Marjorie L. Roach, to this union one son was born, Billy Lee Ransdall. Bill guided fishing trips on the Gasconade River for the Pippin Place and cut stave bolts. Bill then founded Bill’s Sporting Goods and owned and operated it for 27 years. He and his son then founded Bill L. Ransdall & Co., Inc. and had the barber concessions on Fort Leonard Wood and in Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1978, Bill and his son opened Ransdall Distributing and Recycling Co. and operated that business in Rolla for 25 years. Bill always enjoyed working, especially working on the family farm and taking care of the cattle. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying both hunting and fishing. Bill’s favorite sport was turkey hunting with the calls that he made, he really enjoyed taking kids, novice hunters of all ages, to include a host of General Officers visiting and stationed at Fort Leonard Wood during spring turkey season. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lucille Ransdall, his wife of 50 years, Marjorie Ransdall, one step-daughter, Jo Ann Carroll, and one sister, Evelyn Quesenberry. Bill is survived by his son, Bill Ransdall and wife, Pat; the grandchildren he loved, granddaughter LeAnne Kristek and husband, Charles, and granddaughter, Amy Breeden and husband, Kevin; six great grandchildren, Brennan, Eriq, Cati, and Grace Kristek, and Parker and Peyton Breeden all of Waynesville. Also surviving is one brother-in-law Robert Parker Roach of Springfield, MO. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and a host of friends. At the deceased’s request, there will be a private family service at a later date. Arrangements are under direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

William Russell Ransdall

December 4, 1919 - July 6, 2009