William W. “Bill” Pickle, 86, passed away June 29, 2024, at Rice Co. District Hospital, Lyons, Kan. He was born on July 13, 1937, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Arthur and Marie (Tucker) Pickle. In 1961, he married Annie Rowland; she passed in April 2003. Bill then married Cheryl Breeden on March 19, 2005. She survives.

He attended Bear Creek School in Jacksonville, Ill., then proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic and driver in the 9th Transportation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his time in the service, he landed in Great Bend, and worked for Doonan Truck and Equipment with their tow truck/wrecker department for 38 years prior to his retirement. 

Bill was member of the American Legion Post 180, serving as past Post Commander, American Truck Historical Society, and Antique Caterpillar Owners Club of America.

Survivors include his wife of the home; son, Thomas Charles; three daughters, Pam Pennington of Goodland, Missy Seibert and Jennifer Seibert, both of Hutchinson; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by a grandson, Jody Allen Charles; his parents; brother, Raymond Pickle; and sister, Lucille Pickle.

Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Golden Belt Memorial Park, 59 NW 50 Rd., Great Bend, Kan., with Reverend William F. Johnson presiding. Military rites will be presented by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Legion Post #180, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd. 

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 6, 2024