Bill Koval

(From Parker Mortuary)

William “Bill” Joseph Koval, age 95, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Bill was born on February 18, 1929, in Chicago, IL, to the late union of Joseph and Helen (Clark) Koval. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Los Angeles, CA. 

After high school, he owned and operated his own cabinet company, Coval Custom Cabinets. He was an extremely talented cabinet maker and was highly sought after by the local celebrities in Los Angeles. He designed custom cabinets for Goldie Hawn’s kitchen and many other actors and actresses. 

Bill loved helping others and working with his hands. He enjoyed spending time with friends in the evening and having an occasional beer. One evening, his best friend introduced him to a fine gal, Thelma Bailey, and they instantly hit it off. After nearly 6 years of dating, Bill asked Thelma to marry him and on August 19th, 1961, together they were joined into holy matrimony in Los Angeles. 

Bill enjoyed activities such as, boating, fishing, gardening, traveling, and spontaneous road trips. He raised ducks, rabbits, and many other barn animals. He enjoyed finding the “best” deal or bargaining for the best deal he could find. Being able to wheel and deal was a fun game to him. Most importantly though, he loved taking care of and spending time with his family. After nearly 40 years of working on cabinets, Bill and Thelma decided to start slowing down and moved from Los Angeles to Joplin, MO, in 1995. Together they were blessed with 62 years of marriage before his passing.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by five siblings, Theresa Jane, Rose Mary, Francis, Richard Allen, and Mary Elizabeth.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Koval; son, William “Bill” Koval Jr. and wife, Susan, of Diamond, MO; daughter, Lisa Dick and husband, Jeff, of Webb City, MO; six grandchildren, Dustin Dick and wife, Stephanie, Christopher Koval and wife, Shelby, Lesley Koval, Tyler Dick, Michaela Koval, and Kyle Dick; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Dick, Oaklynn Dick, Zelda Dick, and Willa Jo Koval; and three siblings, John Patrick Koval and wife, Margaret, Suzi Bessette and husband, Leo, and Carol Ann Koval.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Parker Mortuary from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Parker Mortuary at 1:00 p.m. with Jim Bowles officiating. Interment to follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery with Christopher Koval, Tyler Dick, Kyle Dick, Dustin Dick, Cody Daniels, and Richard Daniels serving as pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary.