William Joseph "Bill" Robertson

Bill was born on March 4, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of William Adam and Geraldine Ruth (Elliott) Robertson.

He attended Rockhurst High School and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1958 with a degree in Business and Accounting. He completed his master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University in 1982.

Growing up, Bill was very involved in Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout and was in The Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Bill grew up in the Catholic Church and was baptized in the Baptist Church in 2004. He was a member of Cross Creek Baptist Mission in Oak Grove, Missouri. At the end of his life, he fully embraced both his Catholic roots and his church home as part of his lifelong spiritual journey.

Bill proudly served his country for over 32 years, both active duty and as a civilian. He started in ROTC. He began active duty in 1959 with an assignment on the Czech border. He was then assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas as a Troop Commander. He attended the Armor Advance Course and returned to Europe as a Tank Company Commander. He was then assigned to Arkansas, followed by a tour in The Republic of Vietnam as a Senior Advisor. After duties in Maryland and the Northeast, he returned to Europe for a third time. Bill had very fond memories of his time in Germany. He retired as a Major in the US Army in 1987. Bill ended his career as a civilian at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as a Force Design Directorate. He was very proud to be promoted to GS14 and became the Deputy Director and Senior Analyst. Bill retired for a second time in 1999. He left a permanent mark on the Army by designing strategic plans to meet current and future needs. He earned many honors, awards, and medals throughout the course of his career including the Bronze Star Medal. He was a Life Member of VFW 1738.

Bill’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf and traveling. His favorite destination was the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and his walls were covered with their pictures so that he could see them every day. He was affectionately known as “Babo” by his granddaughters.

Bill is survived by his children; Ruthanne Robertson (Esdras Santiago), William Joseph Robertson, Jr. (Catherine), Mary Robertson (Wylie Yates), Jonathan Robertson (Sheri), Andrew Robertson (Jennifer), Patricia Robertson (Joey), Kathleen Robertson, Todd Myers (Kristin); son in law, Ed Forrest; grandchildren Kendall, Emilie, Rachel, Molly, Dustin, Candace, Nathan, Celeste, Tailor, Keaton, Luke, Ben, Emily; great grandsons, Alexander, and Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Geraldine Robertson; his wife and best friend of 36 years, Annetta Mae “Ann” (Purman) Robertson; daughter, Jennifer Forrest and his first wife Maureen DeHaemer.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Family will greet guests from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, Missouri.