(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)William “Bill” C. Scearce Sr., age 81, of Joplin, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.
Bill, son of the late James “J.B.” and Lois (Harrell) Scearce, was born on August 19, 1941, in Moultrie, GA. He grew up and attended college in Georgia. He was a graduate of Georgia Southern University where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration.
He then went on to attain his master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of Georgia. In 1969 Bill accepted the position of Joplin Parks and Recreation Director and moved his family to Joplin. He remained the director until 1978, when he left to run his privately owned business.
He was united in marriage to Penny Leffen, on April 3, 1976, at the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Joplin. Bill was an energetic and creative entrepreneur and community leader having served on numerous civic boards, including three terms on Joplin City Council. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Georgia Bulldog fan. Bill loved his country, city, and family. His friendly and caring personality will be missed by his family and those who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Penny Scearce, of Joplin; his children, Shala Rogler, and her husband, Jeff, of Lee’s Summit, Carr Scearce, of Joplin, Tricia Jones, of Joplin, and Meg Skaggs, and her husband, Sam, of Bentonville; his grandchildren, Lauren Whiston, Hunter Scearce, Dominick Blanchette, Riley Blanchette, Kendall Jones, Sadie Skaggs, Lucy Jones, Robbie Skaggs, Henry Skaggs, and Sophia Jones; two great grandchildren, Faye Whiston, and Joshua Jones; his sisters-in-law, Beth Cole, and her husband, Marty, of Overland Park, and Sarah Leffen, of Denver; his loving caregiver, V; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Joplin with private family burial to follow.
Survivors include his wife, Penny Scearce, of Joplin; his children, Shala Rogler, and her husband, Jeff, of Lee’s Summit, Carr Scearce, of Joplin, Tricia Jones, of Joplin, and Meg Skaggs, and her husband, Sam, of Bentonville; his grandchildren, Lauren Whiston, Hunter Scearce, Dominick Blanchette, Riley Blanchette, Kendall Jones, Sadie Skaggs, Lucy Jones, Robbie Skaggs, Henry Skaggs, and Sophia Jones; two great grandchildren, Faye Whiston, and Joshua Jones; his sisters-in-law, Beth Cole, and her husband, Marty, of Overland Park, and Sarah Leffen, of Denver; his loving caregiver, V; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one brother, James “Jimmy” Scearce.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Joplin with private family burial to follow.
Those having the honor of serving as pallbearers are Bill's grandsons, with Sam Skaggs, Jeff Rogler, and Jeff Jones. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, January 25th from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Haven of Joplin or to the Multiple sclerosis Society in memory of Bill and may be entrusted to the mortuary.
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