William “Bill” Joseph Soapes, 65, of Stockton, MO, went to be with the Lord on September 19, 2011 after a short battle with cancer. Bill was born on October 10th, 1945 in Springfield, MO to Sears and Virgina (Gray) Soapes.
He graduated from Parkview High School in Springfield, MO in 1963 and after 33 years of employment with Kraft Foods in Springfield, MO, he retired in 2003. He enjoyed camping, fishing, riding horses and spending time with his family. Bill was a wonderful husband, daddy, and papa. Those who knew him, loved and respected him and would count him as one of the most honest, caring people to know.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sally (Soapes) Arthur.
Survivors include his wife, Vickie (Vaughan) Soapes of 45 years; two daughters, Heather Jones and husband Michael and Christie Shewmaker; six grandchildren, Brandon, Tabitha, Michael, Ryan, Kayla and Dusty; four great-grandchildren, Hali, Zoi, Mikey and Bryson; brother Jim Soapes and wife Jan of Atlanta, GA; his brothers-in-law, Layton Vaughan and Jim Vaughan and wife Mary; and many nieces, nephews, and family.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6-8 pm and the funeral will be held Friday September 23, 2011 at 1 pm in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 N. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65803, with Pastor Nathan Beal officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 5324 W. Division, Springfield, MO 65802.
Bill was a simple man with a love for his family and friends. Come as you are to celebrate his life with us as we say good-bye for now. We will be together soon…
Online condolences can be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.