William Eugene "Bill" Fain

William Eugene (Bill) Fain, 78, of Grain Valley, Missouri, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Bill was born on November 17, 1944, to James C. Fain and Doris Thurmon Fain of Independence, Missouri.

Bill graduated from Van Horn High School in 1962. He earned his, Bachelor of Science in Education at Central Missouri State University in 1967. While attending CMSU he joined the Peace Corps and went to Honduras during his Junior Year. After graduation Bill started his teaching career at Fort Osage Jr./High School. He taught both English and Social Studies. Bill was the definition of an educator and mentor. He was instrumental to the development of the wrestling program for Fort Osage.

In 1969 Bill was drafted into the United States Army. He was fortunate to stay stateside while serving as a Chaplain’s Assistant at the Post Chapel at Fort Ord, in Monterey, California. He was a member of the American Legion Post 499 in Blue Springs.

After the service, Bill returned to teach at Fort Osage and then worked at Phillips University in Enid Oklahoma and Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. He served in the Admissions Department at both institutions. Using his earned GI Bill, he was able to obtain his Masters in Guidance & Counseling at Phillips University and his Master’s in Business Administration at Northern Colorado College. He traveled for both schools and on the way made many lifelong friends.

Bill returned to Missouri to be the Counselor at Christian Ott Elementary School in the Independence School District. He then took a position at William Chrisman High School serving as a Guidance Counselor. He made his final career move to the IT Department at Central Office for the ISD.

Bill married Janet Kaye Babylon in 1968. They were together for 54 years. They had many adventures together and truly enjoyed spending time with one another. They had two sons, Mike, and Robbie. Bill was an active participant in raising his sons. He enjoyed coaching and teaching to their individual talents. He participated in many scouting activities with Mike and helped encourage him in his goal to become an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He also coached many of his son, Robbie’s, little league, baseball, and soccer teams. As a family they were Charter Members of St. Peter United Methodist Church in Blue Springs. Bill & Janet were currently attending Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley.

In 2009, Bill retired and continued perusing his interests and hobbies. He was an avid sportsman. He started playing baseball at the age of 8 and continued until he was 70, only after being forced to stop by his doctors. Bill had such a love for the game, he was even an Ambassador for the Senior Softball League for the KC Metro. His love of sports was not limited to baseball. In his younger days he also played a year of semi-pro football for the Kansas City Steers. He participated in many running events; to name a few, the Hospital Hill Run, and The Run Through the KC Zoo, and maybe most impressively after his stroke the Turkey Trot in Springfield. Bill didn’t let obstacles get in the way, he was always pushing forward and enjoying his love of being active. Bill was also a gifted musician, he enjoyed playing the acoustic guitar and singing for many years. He was truly a man of many talents.

Bill was proceeded in death by; his son, Robbie Fain, his parents, James & Doris Fain, three brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by; his wife, Janet Fain, son, Michael Fain (Sarah) of Springfield, Grandson, Dillon Fain (Alissa) and two great granddaughters, Jayleigh and Jaycie Fain, numerous extended family members; sisters and brothers in-laws, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends, colleagues, and teammates, all whom will miss him dearly.

Services will be held at Carson-Speaks Chapel on February 20th, with a visitation taking place from 1-2 PM Visitation, followed by a Celebration of Life from 2-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Back-Snacks Program, Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley (1950 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley MO 64029); a cause that was very special to the Fain Family.