Billy (Bill) Howard Milner was born June 9, 1930, in Virgil, Kansas to Gus and Bernice (Lancaster) Milner.  He grew up in and around Virgil and graduated from high school in Gorham, Kansas.  Bill is an honored military veteran from the Korean War, serving as a paratrooper in 508th Airborne.  He was blessed to participate in the Kansas Honor Flight in 2017 with his son, Bill Jr., as his companion.  Bill worked for many years in the oilfield and was District Manager for Axelson, Inc. out of Spivey, Kansas.

Bill and Barbara Sue O'Grady eloped on Halloween in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They always enjoyed celebrating Halloween and couldn't think of anything scarier to do.  On December 22, 1994, they were married in St. Patrick's Church in Kingman, Kansas.  They were a Godsend to each other.  They had an enduring love for each other over their 40 years together.  Happy tears were shared by the two of them on their recent 30-year wedding anniversary.

During their younger years they were active and were always up to something and could be found dancing or traveling the US in their motorhome.  They especially enjoyed their time in Colorado and Arizona.  They also enjoyed watching sports whether on TV or in person.  They traveled many miles and spent many an hour watching the grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Roberta Mog.  Surviving siblings include his brother Kenneth Milner (Shirley) and his sister Karen Kirby (Richard).  He was blessed to be the father of children: Jody Noland, Billy Milner Jr. (Becky), and Kelly Guinn (Darren).  With his union to Barbara, he welcomed her children into the mix and enjoyed a loving relationship with her children as well: Sharon Niemann (Greg), Sandra Arnett (Terry), Susan LaPlant (Jim), and Shayne Hayes (Lorie).

Bill loved children and cherished his role as grandfather "O'PA" to Marcus and Matthew Milner and to 9 step grandchildren.  He also loved his 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  Bill could hold a baby in his lap for hours and he was known to give a toddler their first dum-dum sucker or to participate in other such sweet/ornery actions.

Bill was always jovial and up to something.  He had a constant wit which made him fun to be around.  He enjoyed games and was an avid and winning card player.  Bill was positive and supportive in all his dealings, which made him a friend to many.  He had the patience of a saint which was a benefit being married to an Irish lass, Barbara O'Grady!

Bill has always exhibited Christian character but recently formalized his beliefs by accepting Jesus Christ, Who grants us salvation, as his Savior.

Memorial service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023 at GracePoint Community Church, Wichita with Pastor Mike Snow officiating.  A private inurnment will take place at the Attica Cemetery at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Honor Flights and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058