William Spencer Workman, Sr.

William Spencer Workman was born in Codell, Kansas on July 3, 1923 to Nellie and Roy Workman and passed away on April 18, 2009 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by his family. Bill grew up and attended school in Plainville. In 1943 Bill joined the Army Air Corp as a Aviation Cadet Candidate graduating on August 20, 1944 when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. He would later serve with the Air Force Reserve and the Kansas Air National Guard. He retired from the Air National Guard in 1972.

Bill served on the Natoma School board, was a member of the Natoma volunteer fire department, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was the member of the Masonic Lodge, became a Master Mason in 1946, received his 50 year pin in 2006, was the Master of the Paradise/Natoma Lodge in 1961, and the District Deputy in 1972.

Bill married Elizabeth "Betty" Bowe on March 25, 1945 in Salina, Kansas. They had 3 children, William Jr, Beverly, and Robert. They raised their family in Natoma where Bill operated the Natoma Body and Paint Shop until his retirement.

Bill was able to participate in the active lives of his grandchildren, Toni, Tara, and Tim Pruter. He loved to dance, spend time in his woodworking shop, tend his garden, read, play games, and work puzzles with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. While his activity slowed down due to health issues Bill was able to live independently until April 6, 2009. Bill was blessed to live in the Natoma community for over 60 years. When Bills health became a challenge he had the support of many Natoma friends for trips to Hays or Plainville.

Bill is survived by his 3 children: William (Sue) Workman, Beverly (Roger) Pruter and Robert (Christie) Workman; 3 grandchildren: Toni Pruter, Tara (Jake) Rexroat and Tim (Jennifer) Pruter; 4 step grandchildren: Jamie Pappas, Sabrina (Tom) Grader, Carey (Cindi) Lumm; Ben Waymire, Daniel Waymire, 4 great grandchildren; Courtney and Caitlyn Rexroat, Spencer and Tanner Pruter; 6 step great-grandchildren; Carter and Taylor Grader, and Damien, Dorian, Dillon, Dezray Lumm; 3 sisters; Cora Fisher, Dorothy Williams and Jennie Arnold; and special friend Ernie Hofstetter.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 25 at the United Methodist Church in Natoma, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at the Plainville City Cemetery. Graveside services will be held by the Paradise Masonic Lodge #290 of Plainville and the American Legion. Please join the family for lunch at the Methodist Church in Natoma following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William Workman Memorial Fund c/o United National Bank, PO Box 40, Natoma, KS 67651. Memorial contributions will support mission trips through "Oceans of Mercy", a non-profit charity created to provide Hope, Life and Love to orphans in South Africa. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.