William Ernest Fann

William Ernest Fann, 94, of Independence, Mo., passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 in Independence. Bill was born Nov. 2, 1929 in Independence, the son of Ernest William and Mamie Fern Fann. He attended several elementary schools and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1947. He never moved more than 3 ½ miles from the home he was born in.  He met Arlene Laverne Eckard in 1946 and it was “love at first sight.” Upon meeting her, he said, “I levitated; I didn’t touch the ground.”  They were married Aug. 8, 1948 in Independence.  They were married 61 years and enjoyed many of them square dancing. He worked at the Claycomo Ford plant working on the wings for the B47 bomber for several years.  He then worked several different jobs, and eventually began work at Southwestern Bell Telephone.  He worked on the “line gang,” setting poles and putting up cables, installing and repairing phones, and splicing cables for 30 years before retiring in 1986.  He was talented at woodworking and delighted in making things for others. He loved camping and spending time outdoors. He was a scoutmaster for Troop 161 and was a member of Mic-O-Say. He had a strong faith in Jesus and was a member of the Outreach Restoration Branch.  He was baptized in the RLDS church and served as a deacon and priest. He helped in the building of the temple. He took great pride and joy in his family. Several years after Arlene’s passing, Bill found love again and married Beverly Rawlins on Jan. 3, 2015. Their love and companionship was a great joy to them both and he would always remark about how blessed he was because of her. They lived at The Fountains in Independence until he moved to a nursing home in July 2024.  He is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter Cheryl Jeschke (Jerry), son Kenneth (Linda); stepdaughter, Dana (Mark) Reynolds); grandchildren: Craig (Elizabeth) Jeschke, Scott (Holly) Jeschke, Erin (Jacob) Kelly, Kyle (Meredith) Jeschke. Heather (Matt) Varner, Stephanie Watson; 22 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; six step-grandchildren, Lisa, Brenda, Mindy, Tricia, Morgan and Jessica; 14 step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Fann and Mamie Fann, brother Charles Fann, sister Irene Harris, and stepdaughter Wanda Hart. Family will greet friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., immediately following visitation with burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)