BILLY (BILL) J. STURM, 81, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 15, 2011 at the Galachia Heart Hospital in Wichita.

Born on June 11, 1929 in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of Hugh (Dick) and Margaret (Wilson) Sturm. He received his early education in rural Rock, Kansas and graduated from Douglass High School.

He was united in marriage on March 1, 1953 to Mary E. Hoover in Winfield. The couple made their home in Winfield except for two years when they lived in Rock, Kansas. Bill was employed at Klepper Oil Company and later Wilson Oil Company. He also was employed for the City of Winfield at the Winfield City Lake for six years.

He served in the National Guard in Winfield for 10 years. Bill was member of the Rock United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #10 and the Winfield Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and motorcycle riding. He was an avid fan of bluegrass, loved playing music and the steel guitar was his specialty. He truly enjoyed his grandchildren, Danny Archer and Stephanie Sturm and his great grandsons, Jacob and Ethan Archer.

His family includes:
His wife: Mary of 58 years of the home;
His son: Steven Sturm and wife Susan of New Salem, KS;
His daughter: Marsha Smith of New Salem, KS;
His grandsons: Danny Archer and wife Jamie of Winfield, KS; Travis Fouch of Winfield, KS; and Josh Fouch of Winfield, KS;
His granddaughter: Stephanie Sturm;
His great-grandsons: Jacob and Ethan Archer;
His brother in law: Maurice Cookie Hoover of Winfield, KS;
His sisters in law: Lenore Holt of Thedford, NE; and Mary Hoover of LaVonnie, GA; and
Several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy Archer.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 18, 2011 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 17, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Bill's name for the Cowley County Humane Society and the American Legion Riders. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.