William “Bill” Frank Rupard
William “Bill” Frank Rupard passed away on September 24, 2026, at Lee’s Summit Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Bill was born on March 25, 1948, in Olathe, Kansas, to Ralph and Evalena Rupard. A few years later, his family moved to Holden, Missouri. He graduated from Kingsville High School in Kingsville, Missouri, in 1966.
Throughout his life, Bill held several jobs connected to farming and agriculture. He worked on the farm of Bill and Sara Ramey and later drove a 10-wheeler for Odessa Feed Store, owned by Bob and Marilyn Ramey. He also worked for Pig Improvement Company (PIC) in Pittsville, Missouri, and spent several years working for Chesley Wallace. In 1982, Bill began working as a farmhand for Mike Cravens, a role he continued for many years.
A farm boy at heart, Bill found great satisfaction in being outdoors, working the land, and caring for cattle. His quiet, unassuming nature was one of his defining qualities. He was also a voracious reader whose curiosity led him to explore a wide variety of subjects.
In his younger years, Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially treasured the time he spent with his nieces and nephews. Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, thoughtful nature, and lifelong devotion to the farming life he loved.
He is survived by his brother, John Rupard of Holden, Missouri; his sister, Betty (Gary) Paddack of Holden, Missouri; nephews Dustin (Krista) Paddack of Liberty, Missouri; Scott (Sarah) Rupard of Joplin, Missouri; and Jeff (Rebecca) Rupard of Lititz, Pennsylvania; Ben Rupard of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and nieces Krista (Chris) Oehrke of Blue Springs, Missouri; Laura (Rusty) Casey of Holden, Missouri; and Sheri (Chris) Cook-Thigpen of Bonner Springs, Kansas; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and half-sisters, Arlene Basler and Martha Cook.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, Missouri, with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Holden Cemetery Association.
