Wilbur F. "Bill" Rather

Obituary of Wilbur F. RatherWilbur F. "Bill" Rather, age 85, died May 28, 2016. He was born on the family farm in Ludell, KS to Walter and Alma (Rippe) Rather. Baptized into Christ, he was later confirmed in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, near Atwood, KS.He graduated from the Academy of St. John"s College, Winfield, KS in 1949. After serving in the Army, Wilbur graduated in 1955 from St. John"s College, Winfield and in 1957 from Southwestern College, Winfield with a degree in business.On Jan. 14, 1953, Wilbur and Dessie M. Stonehocker were united in marriage in Winfield. After moving to Independence, KS in 1957, he was employed by Sinclair Pipeline, later ARCO Pipeline, as an accountant, retiring in 1985.He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church of Independence, KS serving in many capacities.Survivors include his wife Dessie, two sons Ron (Terri) of Lyons, KS and Keith (Linda) of Chanute, KS, grandson Jonathan (Staci) of Chanute, great-granddaughter Josie, sister Levina Randall of Phoenix, Arizona, brother Loris (Lois) of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and sister-in-law Nadine Rather of Atwood along with numerous nieces and nephews.Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents and brother Arthur of Ludell, KS.Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor David Meier, officiating. Friends may sign the register book from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, Independence, KS or Wickham Family Funeral Home of Cherryvale.