William Gilkeson ?Bill? Griner was born January 26, 1923 near Harrisonville, Missouri the son of William Christopher and Nannie Winona (Gilkeson) Griner. He departed this life on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at his home in Belton surrounded by his family at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 22 days.
On April 7, 1951, Bill was united in marriage to Anna Belle Ferguson in Bentonville, Arkansas. Bill and Anna moved to Belton in 1957.
Bill was employed as a supervisor in civil service at the Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton until his retirement in 1978 and earlier was employed at Leeds Chevrolet Plant in Kansas City. He was a long-time member, and served as Deacon and on the property committee at the Belton Christian Church, Belton, Missouri. Bill grew up in Archie, Missouri and was a 1940 graduate of Archie High School. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II serving in the European Theatre as an aerial gunner in the 441 Bomb Squadron. Bill flew 31 missions before being shot down and captured, spending 13 months as a POW in Germany. He was a member of the Ex-POW?s and the Disabled American Veterans.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Kenneth; a son-in-law, Gary Martin; a brother, Robert Griner and a sister, Mary Yager.
Bill is survived by his wife, Anna Griner of the home; two sons, William E. Griner and wife, Mary, Belton, Missouri, Richard W. Griner and wife, Sondra, Lake Jackson, Texas; a daughter, Kathy Martin, Kansas City, Kansas; three grandchildren; Kenneth Martin, Lindsay Wommer and Kyle Griner; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Belton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 409 Airway Lane, Belton, MO 64012.
Graveside service and interment were held Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Crescent Hill Cemetery near Adrian, Missouri.
Arragements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.