Judge William Kimberlin

Judge William Morlan ?Bill? Kimberlin, 93, former Circuit Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit of Missouri (Cass & Johnson Counties) passed away in Harrisonville, Missouri on June 10, 2009. Bill was born November 20, 1915, in Garden City, Missouri, the only child of Grover Cleveland Kimberlin and Geneva (Morlan) Kimberlin. Bill was an accomplished musician and was gifted with a rich baritone voice. In addition to playing the piano, he mastered numerous other musical instruments including the violin, flute, trumpet, and piccolo. After graduating from Garden City High School, Bill attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri for two years. He received a music scholarship, majoring in piano. Bill transferred to the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, where he received his law degree in 1939. He moved to Harrisonville, Missouri where he practiced law with the firm Crouch & Crouch. His legal career was interrupted by World War II. He served four years in the Army Air Corps where he trained with the British and became a radar specialist. He enlisted as a private and separated with the rank of captain. For his service in the Mediterranean and European Theaters, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and six campaign stars. While stationed in Orlando, Florida prior to going overseas, he met his future wife, Martha Bumby, on the dance floor at the Officers? Club. They were married upon his return on January 9, 1946, and settled in Harrisonville. A lifelong Democrat, Bill was elected Mayor of Harrisonville and was a two term Prosecuting Attorney of Cass County. He also served as City Attorney for Harrisonville. He was elected five times to serve as Circuit Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit, and served 29 years before his retirement in 1982. Upon completion of the new Cass County Justice Center in 2004, a courtroom was named in his honor. Judge Kimberlin was always the consummate gentleman. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, both inside and outside of his courtroom. He was highly respected in the legal community. He was one of twelve original committee members appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to draft the Missouri Civil Approved Jury Instructions for use in all courts of the state. He was appointed a Special Judge to sit for a term on the Missouri Supreme Court. Bill was a person of faith and enjoyed Christian fellowship as a member of the First Christian Church of Harrisonville serving as both an elder and deacon for a number of years. Bill lived a life dedicated to public service. He donated much time to community organizations and served on numerous boards and committees. Included were the First Christian Church, Ararat Shrine, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, Cass Lodge #147 A.F. & A.M., Board of Directors of the Missouri Municipal League, district chairman of the Thunderbird District of the Kansas City Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, Phi Delta Phi Legal fraternity, was past president of the Harrisonville Kiwanis and lieutenant-governor of the Division II Kiwanis. He was recognized for his 65 years of service when he was presented the Legion of Honor award in 2006. Bill was an avid hunter. A great day for him was spent hunting ducks with his black labrador in the early morning followed by quail hunting with his english setter in the afternoon. However, he considered outwitting his first wild turkey the highlight of his hunting endeavors. He was a stalwart supporter of Ducks and Quail Unlimited. Bill loved the game of golf and played as many courses around the country as he could. He was a member of the Shrine Sandblasters, Twin Pines Country Club, and started the Chili Dippers, a group which plays different courses around the metropolitan area. He continued to play golf into his late 80?s, often shooting his age. Bill was a loyal alumni and lifetime supporter of MU and the MU Law School, as well as a devoted fan and supporter of the Tigers. Bill?s father had attended MU in 1900 and Bill played the piccolo in Marching Mizzou while attending law school in the late 1930?s. He was pleased to recount that he was the first graduate to be awarded a diploma at the 100th anniversary commencement of the University of Missouri. He was proud of the fact that his children and grandchildren continued the tradition of graduating from MU. Bill was a devoted family man. He is survived by Martha, his wife of 63 years, his daughter, Marsha Peters and her husband, Vic of Weatherby Lake, Missouri, his son, William Bruce Kimberlin of Kansas City, Missouri and two granddaughters, Lauren Kimberlin Peters, San Francisco, California and Lindsey Morlan Peters, Kansas City, Missouri. Bill Kimberlin enriched the lives of those who knew him. He touched countless lives in large and small ways. He lived a life well spent. Funeral services were held Monday, June 15, 2009 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with burial at the Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Harrisonville or to the Shriners Hospital.