After being lovingly cared for at home by his family, Bill Younger (William Joseph) passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 92. Preceding him in death were: his parents, William Stephen Younger and Mary Frances Younger, brother Whitey (Lawrence), brother-in-law Gene Mitchell, and sister-in-law Brenda Younger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 13th, 12:30-2:30 at the American Legion Post #153, where lunch will be served. Private burial will take place earlier. The American Legion Post #153, 401 E Dennis Ave., Olathe, KS 66061

Bill was born on February 26, 1934, in Ellis, KS. He grew up in Park, KS, and Grainfield, KS, where his father practiced chiropractic. Bill was the oldest of six kids and learned responsibility and hard, steady work early in life. He lived those ethics in everything he did for the rest of his life. When Bill was 17, his father authorized him to join the U.S. Navy. Bill served on board a ship for four years during the Korean War.

After his Navy service, Bill relocated to Kansas City for more employment opportunities. He was able to buy his dream car, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible! After working other jobs, he tried to apply to barber school. They weren’t taking applications at the time, but advised him to try cosmetology school. He followed that advice, and a career was born. Bill excelled at hairdressing and eventually opened his own shop, which he named “Leawood/Somerset Salon” for both women and men. It was a great success, and he cared for his clients there until he retired at age 69.

In 1961, Bill blossomed into a loving father as his daughter, Shari Ann, entered his world. He was devoted to Shari and, later, to his granddaughter, Katie, for the rest of his life. Shari and Katie witnessed his easy-going willingness to help others over and over. It’s just who he was. All you had to do was ask, and he’d soon be there, building, repairing, supporting however it was needed. He showed up for life, and he led by example with no bluster about it.

The loss of a dad, the loss of a grandpa, is great. Sometimes the feelings are so big that it's hard to name the wonderful moments they shared. One of Shari’s fondest memories involves all of the Ice Capades performances her dad took her to. Every year, that was their thing. He was a good dad to Shari and a good grandpa to Katie. He let them know he loved them just for being themselves.

1984 brought Bill the love of his life when he met Deanna Sorenson at a singles group. They developed a deep and loving relationship as they spent time together and got to know each other’s vast families. Bill and Deanna committed to each other and made their home together. As hard as he worked, Bill made time for fun. He loved going and doing. He especially loved traveling. A big highlight was the Mediterranean cruise, which he and Deanna took, along with other family members. They also shared a Caribbean cruise and trips to Washington, D.C. During his later years, Bill often commented that they should have traveled more.

After retirement, Bill and Deanna made their home at Tablerock Lake in southern Missouri, where they enjoyed the peacefulness of nature and the camaraderie of new friends. In 2011, they downsized and moved back to Kansas and city life. During their 42 years together, they supported each other through cancers and other life challenges, remaining grateful for one another’s company during the easy times as well.

In his late 80’s, still driven to keep busy, Bill went back to work as a school bus attendant for the Olathe, KS school district. His job was to help the children get on and off the bus safely and stay safe on the ride. He mainly worked with those with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Perhaps Bill’s greatest life gifts were his genuine friendliness and his service to others. He was always ready to lend a hand, pitching in to help wherever he could be of use. All of his family speaks with admiration about his many skills and his willingness to use them for the good of others. Through the years, he opened his home to family members as they migrated from small-town Kansas to the big city. During her final years, Bill brought his mother into his home, where he and Deanna lovingly cared for her. Bill shared his love for lake life—boating, water skiing, and picnicking. He welcomed family to The Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Winnebego and Tablerock Lake (all in Missouri), where he promoted togetherness and fun-making. It seemed everything meant more when others were there to share in it.

With his knack for sharing, Bill was steadily helping others to not only enjoy a day but, in his low-key way, he helped in making lifelong memories. Bill is already greatly missed by all those who survive him: his life partner Deanna Sorenson, daughter Shari Taylor, and granddaughter Katie Miller. siblings: Paula Mitchell, Elaine Kraft (Duane), Vern Younger (Patty), and Gary Younger. Many loving nieces and nephews and great friends miss him dearly. Bill also loved and was loved by Deanna’s children:  Christina Underwood (Dave), Tammy Maxon (Tom), and Michael Sorenson (Kristina), as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to:

Advanced Home Health and Hospice of Kansas City

9229 Ward Parkway, Suite 350

Kansas City, MO 64114

913-890-8448

or

American Cancer Society

1. cancer.org , then click on “Ways to Give”

2. or call 1-800-227-23453.

3. or mail a check to

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704

Hagerstown, MD 21741