Bill Disney

Mr. William (Bill) Ellis Disney passed away peacefully December 6, 2013. Bill was born April 23, 1931, to Ellis and Thelma (Jane) Disney in Lowry City, Mo., and lived most of life in Kansas City, Mo. After graduating from Westport High School in Kansas City and achieving multiple advance degrees through study at the University of Missouri, where he was a Beta Theta Pi, and the University of Virginia, Bill enjoyed a career filled with a multitude of broad and varied experiences. Early in his career he traveled through Europe while working for the Russell Stover family, which fueled his passion for travel, European languages, architecture, music and the arts. A gifted storyteller, Bill regaled all who were in fortunate proximity with tales of his adventures in his favorite places including the Spanish Steps in Rome and the Champs-Elysees in Paris; all in his unique vernacular. Upon his return from service as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force between 1954 and 1956, Mr. Disney applied his passions by introducing his students to the Spanish and French languages at Metropolitan Junior College, Johnson County Junior College and Pembroke Hill School. He went on to work in commercial and residential real estate for The Jennings Companies, Paul Hamilton and William E. Disney Real Estate Agency. In 1966 Bill married Joan Hovey and they have two children who became the love and focus of his life; Mignon (Disney) Bergs and Annie (Disney) Pirnack. A dedicated father, Bill was always there for his daughters. Over the years he created great memories for his girls and grandchildren telling stories about his life and the creative characters he invented such as the "Poof-a- looffer." Sharing his love for music, architecture, dancing and laughing, Bill loved spending time with his family and charming all around with his wry sense of humor and wonderful singing voice. Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Thelma (Jane) Hillegas Disney and father, Ellis Herndon Disney. He is survived by his daughters and their families, Annie (Disney) Pirnack, her husband Dean and son Christian, and Mignon (Disney) Bergs, her husband Scott and children Connor, William and Ellison. All family, friends and those who were inspired or entertained by Bill are invited to celebrate his love for chocolate Coke (and all things chocolate), architecture and the Plaza Lights at a gathering in his honor at the Winstead's 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard location (adjacent to the Plaza), from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that any memorials be made in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or your local Hospice organization. Fond memories of Bill and words of comfort for his family may be left by logging onto his Memorial Page at: www.CashattFamilyFunerals.com. Cashatt Family Funeral Home in Platte Woods has been entrusted with final arrangements. Cashatt Family Funeral Home 816-587-8200

Bill Disney

April 23, 1931 - December 6, 2013