Obituary
William Ward Duvall, known to many as Bill, passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2023, at the age of 77 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He was born on March 8, 1946, in Springfield, Missouri, to Gilford Simon “Barney” Duvall and Wilma Madge Ward Duvall.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rita Lois Jiles Duvall, and his daughters Sarah Kyle Duvall Gilstrap (Chris) and Mollie Lyn Duvall. Bill was a loving Papa to five granddaughters Aubriana Joy Duvall, Alayna Michelle Duvall, Amelia Leigh Gilstrap, Cora Dee Gilstrap, and Aurelia Rose Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Diana Christine Duvall Osgood.
Bill was raised on a farm in Miller, Missouri, where he raced motorcycles while at Miller High School. He completed an undergraduate degree in Art Education at Pittsburg State University, then was drafted to the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era (1969-1973). He served on the ship, the Monob, and as Captain Ernie said in his honorable discharge commendation, “his jacose personality and artistic abilities made him a real great shipmate.”
He fell in love and married his best friend and life partner Rita in 1973. They moved to Kansas where Bill was a Graduate Assistant at Pittsburg State, earning his Masters Degree in School Administration, and a Specialist Degree in Higher Education Administration from University of Central Missouri. Bill had a diverse career, working as a Lee’s Summit High School Art Teacher, an American Family Insurance Adjustor, and a House Remodeling Contractor. His homes were truly a work of art.
Over 50 years, Bill and Rita built a life and raised their family in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They raised three daughters and two granddaughters on Grand Avenue, and they cherish countless memories, from playhouse playdates as children to driveway catch-ups as adults. Their favorite family vacations were to Gulf Shores, Alabama where Bill and his girls enjoyed building sandcastles, and Western Colorado where they enjoyed camping and jeeping in the Rocky Mountains. Bill was a respected role model to many as a faithful husband and loving father.
Bill was known for his selfless generosity, colorful storytelling and sense of humor. Friends knew he could build or fix anything, and he offered his skills and talent without hesitation. He believed everyone deserved an opportunity in life and was worthy of judgment-free grace and kindness. He had many friendships through his passion for restoring classic cars, remodeling houses, and his love for horses. Bill never knew a stranger.
His faith in God gave him strength throughout his 10-year battle with prostate cancer. He never lost hope and often talked about his plans for cars and travel, “when he got to feeling better.” Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.
Join the family of Bill Duvall for a Celebration of Life service on Friday, November 3 at 10:00am at The Chapel at The Summit Church, located at 3381 NW Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Coffee and sweets in the Chapel lobby following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care at https://www.kchospice.org/donation/.
Condolences
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Rita and family So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Me Jane (LSE)
Dear sweet Rita, I am so sorry to hear this. Cancer is a nasty illness and I am so sorry that you guys had to go through this. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Love
Terry
Bill was one of the best human beings there ever was. He loved God, his family, his country, and had countless friends. He would do anything for anybody and expect nothing in return. His life will impact people for eternity. We were privileged to be a part of the extended family and have been impacted by the Duvall family. “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. Prayers continue for the entire family.
So sorry for your loss, Rita and family.
We will always remember Bill for his sense of humor and his never ending friendliness.
Rita, Sarah, Mollie, i love your family so much and I am sending you hugs. Bill is one of the best men I have ever known. Love, Buffy
How blessed I was to cross paths with Bill several years ago. Classic cars brought us together. I’ll always remember our trips we took together in our cars, sometimes to my hometown of Lexington Missouri along the Missouri river. RIP my friend.
Your friend forever….Mike Bachtel
I remember the first time I met Bill. It was over the Christmas holidays. Bill was endearing from the get go. Shortly after we arrived Bill took this Detroit boy for a long ride in one of his classic Mustangs. Interesting conversation and life story. Bill was so welcoming this new member of the family.
Rita and girls- our hearts are heavy with Bills passing. Know that we are thinking of all of you and ask that God wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace. Dave and Amy
So sorry to have read of Bill’s death. May the joys you knew and the times you shared help comfort you at this sad time. This Bible verse recorded in John 5:28 has been of comfort to our family when experiencing a loss. It reads “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus Christ) voice and come out “. May God Jehovah give strength and his love to each of you.
Rita and Family, there’s a common saying that says that “when God made (a certain person) He threw away the mold. Bill was that kind of person. He was just one of my favorite people in life. And I’m thinking that when Bill got to heaven, if some chariots had broken wheels, or if some anels had failing wings, or if some mansions were in need of repair, God told them “help has just arrived.” And were the angels ever surprised when Bill brought them Duffy’s donuts. What a guy. What a wonderful hman being.
I did not have the experience of knowing Bill throughout his life but had the privilege of being his caregiver for several days the last week of his life. Even in his illness, when he would awaken and I would see to his need, he was so gentle and kind. His wife Rita was and is a gem and they were blessed to have each other for so many years. It’s comforting to know that though his absence will be deeply felt here, he is now ” home”, worshipping the Saviour who died for him.