Bill Billman

(From Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home)

William J. “Bill” Billman, 83, of rural Altamont, passed away at 2:25 p.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at his home.

William John Billman was born on July 31, 1939, to John Burris and Audrey K. (Manley) Billman in Pittsburg, Kansas. He grew up and attended schools in Parsons and Altamont, earning a trade school diploma from Labette County Community High School in 1958. Following high school, Bill served in the United States Army Reserves for several years.

Throughout Bill’s life, he was a farmer. For many years, he was the owner/operator of Billman-Hine Farms. He also was part owner of VWB Drilling Company. While working as a machinist at Boeing for 10 years, he was the leadman for projects such as the Saturn V rocket program used in the Apollo moon landing. He also worked at Taylor Products in Parsons for eight years. Over the years, Bill also hauled turkeys and house trailers. After retiring from farming, he drove a school bus for USD 506 and was known by the kids on his bus as “Bubble Gum Bill.”

He was president of the local Farm Bureau Association in 1994. Bill had also served on the Mound Valley Co-op Board Association and on the Twin Valley Electric Nominating Committee in earlier years.

An outdoorsman at heart, Bill enjoyed fishing and reloading guns. He also enjoyed reading. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On November 23, 1968, Bill and Jessie E. “Nita” (Hayden) Hine were united in marriage in Parsons. She survives of the home.

Survivors include:

His wife – Nita, of the home

Three sons – Russell Hine (Katie) of Parsons, Kansas

Randall Hine (Katrina) of Anderson, Missouri

Phillip Billman (Gail), of Altamont, Kansas

Three daughters – Rhonda Heston (Dave Korver) of Altamont, Kansas

Ramona Gofourth (Rod) of Edna, Kansas

Melody (Billman) Ramirez of Parsons, Kansas

Thirteen grandchildren

Twenty-two great-grandchildren

One sister – Imogene Hannon (Robert) of Parsons, Kansas

One sister-in-law – Sharon Billman of Parsons

He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his brother, David Billman in 2009; and one grandson, Justin William Ramirez in 2014.

Following cremation, there will be a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., September 17, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., September 17, at the Labette County High School cafeteria.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.