William J. “Bill” Losey, 82, Hays, died Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at HaysMed.
He was born on November 27, 1939, in Anderson, Indiana, the son of William Houtz “Bill” and Thelma Lucille (Rawlings) Losey. The family moved to Gove County, Kansas after the death of his father in 1947, and he was adopted by his uncle James Peter Losey. In 1957, Bill graduated from Gove Rural High School then attended Fort Hays State University and lived the rest of his life in the Hays area. He married G. Marlene Swink of Satanta on December 20, 1959, in Hays. She died June 5, 1960. He married Betsy Ruth Ellsaesser of Hugoton on August 13, 1961, in Hays.
Bill transported Grade A milk for Associated Milk Producers for 32 years and later on started a tree service, B&B Tree and Stump Removal. For many years, he was active in Boy Scouts of America, achieving Wood Badge Rank, Order of the Arrow, Wheatland District Award of Merit, and Coronado Council Silver Beaver. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hays, serving on several committees. After his retirement, Bill worked as a volunteer in the NOMADS Service Organization providing support for nonprofit agencies. He and his wife Betsy took many trips in their RV and served as National Park Campground Hosts. This was his favorite volunteer job and allowed them to work in several national parks.
Survivors include his wife Betsy of Hays, three children: William “Bill” and Joyce Losey of Hugoton, James “Jim” and Sandy Losey of Hays, and Rebecca Haury of Augusta, six grandchildren, Jennifer Whitmer (John), Amy Garza (Chris), Catherine Losey, Michael Losey (Amanda), Elizabeth Haury, and Steven Haury, six great-grandchildren, Jason, Jade, Jacob and Jana Whitmer and Greyson and Mojo Garza, a sister: Wilma Peterson (Lloyd) of Overland Park KS, a brother: Bob Losey (Jeanita) of Grinnell, and a brother-in-law: Bruce Jones of Manhattan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: G. Marlene, and a sister: Sue Jones.
A Private Funeral Service will be at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Delbert Stanton officiating.
Memorials can be made payable to the Methodist Church Camp Lakeside Endowment Fund, Scott City, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Bill may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com