William Omstead
William "Bill" Omstead, 62, died April 14, 2004, at his home in Florence, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Born Feb. 13, 1942, in Wichita, he was the son of Franklin and Agnes Rose Omstead.
On Aug. 27, 1977, he married Connie Sue Hudson at Wichita.
He was the owner/manager of the Sonic Drive-In at Scott City and was awarded a business management award from Dunn & Bradstreet for building the restaurant into a million-dollar business. He also spent time as a commercial driver, driving everything from school buses to church buses. He was awarded a commercial driving award as the best school bus driver in his district.
In addition to work, he enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and camping. His sense of humor and independent, strong will carried him through the hardest years of his life as his health declined.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, George Smith; brother, Franklin Omstead; one granddaughter; two grandsons; and a great-grandson.
Survivors include his wife, Connie, of Florence; five sons, William Omstead Jr., Randy Omstead, and Rusty Omstead, all of Wichita, Howard Omstead of Bel Aire, and David Jackson of Van Buren, Ark.; two daughters, Debra Love of Wichita and Sharon Mackey of Aulne; four sisters, Mabel Newren of Bartlesville, Okla., Betty Straight and Karen Hood of Wichita, and Clara Smith of Haysville; 29 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Florence Christian Church with Pastor Larry Timm officiating.
Dolly Soyez was pianist and Mary Griffith sang "Mansion Over the Hilltop" and "Footsteps of Jesus."
Casket bearers were Howard Omstead, Randy Omstead, Rusty Omstead, Frank Omstead, Josh Mackey, and Lloyd Love Jr.
Billy Omstead Jr. and Jacob Omstead were honorary casket bearers.
Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery.
Memorial funds were established with Central Homecare & Hospice, Florence Ambulance Service, and Florence Fire Department.
