William “Will” Hillix passed away on August 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. He will be remembered as an independent spirit. His many talents and gifts offered him the inspiration and skills he needed to live as he wanted. He was an extraordinary artist in ceramic pottery primarily (his BA degree from NWMSU) but also as a painter, lithographer, and collagist. Will flipped houses before it was a trend, played frisbee golf, and bicycled. A colleague called him the “best natural athlete they’d ever known.” Will’s love of dogs earned him a reputation for kindness and a soft heart.

Will is survived by his wife, Colleen Johnson, who cared for Will beautifully during his last few years and gave him over 30 years of happiness and companionship. He did not have children but was blessed to help raise and be a loving role model and active participant in the lives of Colleen’s 7 grandchildren. He is also survived by his four sisters, Helen, Lynn, Louise, and Elaine, his nieces Rebecca, Gera, and Addie, and nephews Scott and Gaines, and his stepmother, Terry Cronan. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gaines, his nephew Chad, and his parents, Al Hillix and Virginia Gaines Hillix. He will be dearly missed by friends and family who loved him.

No memorial is planned at this time. Donations in his name can be sent to the Humane Society.