Obituary
William (Bill) Aaron Oxley, age 65, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on March 6th, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.
Military honors will be presented at 10am with a visitation and celebration of life to follow at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO on March 29th, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lee’s Summit Animal Hospital or the Special Olympics.
Bill was born February 11th, 1960 in Independence, MO to Betty and James (Fuzz) Oxley. Bill married his spouse of 44 years, Penny in October of 1980 and joined the US Navy in 1981. Bill proudly served in the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. While in the US Navy, Bill and Penny moved throughout the United States but mainly lived in Norfolk, VA and Bremerton, WA. The majority of his time in the US Navy, Bill worked as a Nuclear Reactor Operator on the aircraft carrier U.S.S Nimitz.
After twelve years in the military, Bill and Penny moved back to Missouri where Bill found a career in plastic injection molding. Bill worked at Polytainers, Inc. for over 18 years and was a beloved leader and member of the team.
Bill prided himself in being each of his children and grandchildren’s champion. At every game—baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball, and roller derby, dance and cheer competitions—Papa was there. Bill made sure that he had a shirt or hat for every team his grandkids played on and wore them proudly (usually under his tweed sport coat). Bill also went to every Veterans Day celebration, school play, wax museum, and Grandparents’ Day that he could.
Bill was a die-hard Kansas City sports fan and Chiefs season ticket holder for over 20 years. Every Chiefs home game, you could find Bill in line at Arrowhead before the gates opened ready for a full 6-hour tailgate. He loved sharing the Arrowhead tailgate experience with his friends and family.
Bill was a great speaker and was known for always finding a way to make the people around him laugh. Bill also loved doting on his dogs Hank and Harvey.
Bill fought a seven month battle against lung cancer with a grace and strength that many could not imagine. Each step along the way, he took in stride and continued to fight. Bill was preceded in death by his twin brother James (Delbert) Oxley, his parents Betty Oxley and James (Fuzz) Oxley, his sister Lisa Marie Oxley, his granddaughter Mattingly Truman, and his son-in-law Jason Rowlette. He is also preceded by his cherished dogs: Taylor, Cooper, and Gizmo.
Bill is survived by his wife Penny, his four children Holly Rowlette, Corey Martin (Michelle), Brian Oxley, Stacy Truman (Robert), and 14 grandchildren Jordan Novak (Zach), Cade Rowlette (Evelyn), Cameran Martin (Will), Lyndsay Rowlette, Karsyn White, Corben Martin, Abigail Truman, William Truman, Hannah Oxley, Amelia Oxley, Eloise Oxley, Miah Novak and Laylin Novak.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Dear Oxley Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about our loss. Bill was a wonderful person , always very cheerful. He touched my life in last few months before he left for surgery and we were training together and he was very supportive, dedicated and very positive.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Monish
Dear Penny and family –
My love and support during the loss of one of the good guys! They don’t make them a lot anymore and I, for one, was glad to have met him and been a part of the family!
Love
Debbie
My dear colleague, friend, mentor, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. With heavy heart I’m sending you my goodbye message. May you rest in peace.
Domnica
Sending my deepest & sincere condolences to the Oxley family, may God give you all the strength you need to deal with this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of this wonderful man. Sending strength and love to you all.
Penny and Family,
I was a shipmate of Bill’s on the Nimitz with Russ Andolina, Jim Bastyr, and John Bendo. I was thrilled to spend time with Bill in Vegas about twelve years ago. While on the Nimitz, it was always a pleasure to go ashore with Bill because you know you would have fun. I am so sorry about your loss, he will truly be missed by all who knew him. Richard
His sister!
RIP Bill
Lotta good times 85-88
Nimitz
Hey Penny,
I don’t know if you remember me, Matthew, Andrew and Jennifer’s mom, but I wanted to extend my condolences to you and the kids. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers,
Marla
Wishing you peace and strength during this time of need. My deepest condolences
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Bill over the past 15 years and shared many good laughs with him. He will be missed by his Polytainers family.
Dear Penny and Family,
We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Bill. It was a privilege to work with him and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pooja and Mirjana