Bill Brightwell

Bill Brightwell, 77, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully in his sleep June 19, 2012. Bill was born on October 24, 1934, in Heber Springs, Arkansas. He was a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri. He attended William Chrisman High School. When he finished school, he joined the Missouri National Guard. After serving several years in the guard, he made a change to the U.S. Air Force in 1960. Leaving his military career with an honorable discharge in 1962, he was employed by KC Booth, N. Kansas City, Missouri. There he learned the upholstery trade. He became very well known in the upholstery business. He was employed by Avis Watson Industries for many years. Bill made upholstery an ‘art form.’ He was a perfectionist and made many customers happy in his career. Many years later Bill ‘changed gears’ and was employed with the City of Independence as a Street Maintenance worker. Bill’s favorite activity was bowling. He bowled two perfect 300 games and one 299 game in his life and was very proud of the accomplishment! His name is written in the Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill was also an avid Kansas City Chiefs and NASCAR fan. When he wasn’t working on an upholstery project, you could find him in his ‘easy’ chair ready to cheer on his favorites. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, James P. and Rebecca V. Brightwell. He is survived by his wife, Lana Shook Brightwell of the home and three grown children: Clint W. Brightwell of Blue Springs, Missouri, Anissa R. Skiles of Olathe, Kansas and Philip R. Brightwell of Kansas City, Kansas. He was also ‘grandpa’ to four grandsons and two granddaughters and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill was the oldest in a family of eight; his brothers Charles Brightwell of Goodyear, Arizona, Larry Brightwell of Orrick, Missouri and Mike Brightwell of Independence, Missouri; his sisters Carolyn Parker of Chino Valley, Arizona, Liz Donelson of Lathrop, Missouri, Patty Ortiz of Shawnee, Kansas and Sandy Kaliekau of Independence, Missouri. Bill will be sorely missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. God Speed, Bill! In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the American Lung Association or the National Kidney Foundation in his name. A visitation will take place from 2-3:00 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, June 23, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO.