William C. "Bill" Wakefield, 94, passed away peacefully in the late morning hours of Saturday, June 6, 2020. D-Day.

Bill was born on January 15, 1926 to Earl F. Wakefield and Anna E. (Cameron) Wakefield. He was a lifelong Winfield resident, graduating from Winfield High School in 1943, and Southwestern College in 1947 with a degree in Chemistry.

Bill served his country in United States Navy, first 1944-46 and again in 1951-54 during the Korean Conflict. Between terms he returned to Winfield to complete his college education. In March of 1947 while helping students with a chemistry lab, he met the love of his life, Martha Osterhout. Bill and Martha married on January 25, 1948 at Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield. They later welcomed four children:  Nancy, Jane, Jill, and William II.

After his time in the service Bill joined his father in the family oil business, becoming the president upon his father's death in 1975. In 1984 Bill moved the company from Wichita, KS to its new office in Winfield at 2121 E. 9th. Although the rigs had long been sold, Bill still monitored oil prices daily and maintained an active interest in a variety of oil & gas companies.

Bill's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and bowling. He spent many years chasing bobwhite quail and was a crack shot even in his old age. Before heading into the field he would always ask the bag limit and then announce he would only need to pack that number of shells as he never planned to miss a bird.

Fishing was a true passion for Bill. First bass fishing, but later crappie because that's what he liked to eat. Along with fishing buddy Jim Rogers, he owned R&W Lures in Lamar, MO for several years. He traveled the country fishing in Ray Scott's B.A.S.S Tour professionally from 1977-92. In his own words "I never did any good, but I sure had fun".

For as many years as his body would allow, Bill was a bowler. He participated in leagues locally as well as in Wichita. Similar to fishing, Bill was fortunate to travel the country participating in bowling tournaments as well. In 2009 while in Las Vegas he was presented with 25 years of service to the USBC Championships. From start to finish Bill was always a student of the game.

More than anything Bill loved his family. Whether it was fireworks at Otter Creek, football games & wrestling matches, or great grandkids splashing in the pool, Bill had an impact on all generations, leaving memories that will be cherished for years to come. He was so proud of them all and relished any opportunity to spend time with them. It was not uncommon to catch him bragging about each and every one of them to anyone that would listen.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Earl (1975) and Anna (1982), as well as his wife Martha (2010). He is survived by his daughters Nancy (Ron) Smith, Kittredge, CO, Jane Pipes, Winfield, Jill Wakefield, Eugene, OR and his son William II (Donna) Wakefield, Colorado Springs, CO. Also sharing this loss are 12 grandkids, 13 great grandkids, and some very special fishing and bowling friends.

Bill was raised in the First Christian Church, later attended First United Methodist Church, and enjoyed services at Rest Haven and Cumbernauld Village respectively. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the NRA.

For those that wish to honor Bill's memory, rather than a donation, the family requests spending time with your kids and grandkids. Share stories from your childhood, take a drive around Winfield explaining people & places of generations past. Bill liked things simple, he will be dearly missed.

Per Bill's wish, there will not be a public service, the family will celebrate his life privately.