Bill Qualls

Bill (Billy) T. Qualls, 88, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2015, at Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola. Bill was born in Peno, Oklahoma to John Thomas and Carrie (Ritchie) Qualls on August 23, 1927. He attended elementary school in LeFlore County, Oklahoma and graduated from Poteau High School. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree from Oklahoma A&M in Agriculture Education in 1949. Bill served in the United States Navy during World War II with the 121st Naval Seabees Battalion. Upon discharge he continued in The Naval Reserve and later National Guard retiring with a total of 35 years of military service. On July 7, 1950, Bill married Lillian L. Watson at her home in Hodgen, Oklahoma. They made their home in Heavener, Guthrie, Oklahoma, Mankato, Parsons and Oswego, Kansas before moving to Iola in 1957. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a conservationist for 39 years before retiring in 1987. Lillian preceded him in death August 4, 2006. He attended the First Baptist Church of Chanute where his oldest son is pastor. Survivors include two sons and their families, The Rev. Rick Qualls & his wife, Nancy of Chanute and Dr. Randal Qualls & his wife, Cathy of Lebanon, MO; six grandchildren, Christie Hansen, Stacie Stich, Richard Qualls, and Aaron, Nathan and Brenna Qualls and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters, Eunice Baker and Bettie Qualls. FUNERAL: 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS MEMORIAL: First Baptist Church of Chanute Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .