William "Bill" Auman was born October 24, 1945, and worked, lived and loved with all his might until passing away on November 16, 2019. He was a fighter his whole life, overcoming countless obstacles and always believing that he could prevail. “If man made it, I can fix it” was his moniker. Bill adored his wife Vicky, his two children and four grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors: scouting, camping, boating, hunting, and spending time with family.
He was born in St. Francis, Kansa,s to Lucile (Hirscheler) Auman. Bill graduated Wichita Heights in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart and gorgeous wife, Vicky (Sweasy) Auman, on May 8, 1965, in Wichita, KS. They moved to Hays, Kansas, in 1975, and started The Auman Company Plumbing, Heating and Air. Bill worked long hours, alongside Vicky, to build a thriving business. They sold the business upon retirement and moved to Newton, Kansas, to be closer to friends and siblings.
In Newton, Bill became a Master Gardener and worked diligently at the Harvey County Master Gardeners Community Garden. He prided himself on the tens of thousands of pounds of produce raised to feed those in need in Harvey County. In late spring 2019, Bill and Vicky moved to Manhattan to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Bill loved visits with grandchildren at Meadowlark Hills’ Wroten House where he lived for the last six months of his life.
Throughout his life, Bill put others before himself. He had a passion for sharing his expertise and growing and developing others.
He leaves behind wife, Vicky; children, son Troy (and Erin) Auman, and daughter D.C. (and Jeremiah) Hackerott; and grandchildren Riley and Caleb Auman, and Uriah and Jaina Hackerott. He joins his mother Lucile Auman, his sister Luella Petrillo, and his brother-in-law and best friend Larry Sweasy.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 5 to 6:30 pm at Yorgensen Meloan Londeen (YML) Funeral home in Manhattan, KS. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov 21 at 10 am at YML with burial to follow at Valley View Memorial Park on Highway 24, east of Manhattan.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Meadowlark Good Samaritan Fund in Bill’s name. The fund is used to assist those in need of long term care who cannot afford to pay for it. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.