William "Bill" Roy Modlin

     William Roy “Bill” Modlin, 59, Nevada, MO, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, following a battle with Covid-19.

     Bill was born May 7, 1962, in Kansas City, MO, to Larry Lee and Marynell (Blasengym) Modlin.   He married Kristie Thomas on April 5, 1997, in Nevada, MO and she survives of the home.  Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church, Nevada.

      Bill was in the trucking industry for most of his life.  He owned his own business and hauled flatbed loads with his trusty Kenworth “Sexxy Silver”.   He was a man who believed in serving his country and did so for 18 years in the Army and National Guard.  His wife got him hooked on flea markets and antiquing.  His favorite thing to do was ride his Harley.  He had many fun rides with “The Good Time Gang”.  Bill started the group with truck drivers dispatched by JoEd Jones.  Bill was a big softy and would help anyone who needed it.  Once a month he would randomly pay for someone else’s meal.   The waitress was always instructed not to tell them.  His children meant the world to him and he was proud to watch them accomplish their goals.  He loved high school football but came to love the marching band even more.  He pulled the NHS band trailer for years and continued even after all his kids graduated.  Rest assured Bill will be watching over everyone he knows; he never knew a stranger.  His famous words were “It ain’t nothin’ but a thang”.  And always remember, “Who loves you, baby?”

     In addition to his wife, Kristie, Bill is survived by 9 children:  Danielle Narvaez (Armondo), Grants Pass, OR; William Modlin, Jr (Cheri), Coalinga, CA; Morgan Rudderham, Springfield, MO; Christian Monts, Springfield, IL; James Thomas, Anderson, MO; Tristie Thomas, Springfield, MO; Kyla Thomas, Nevada, MO; Charles Thomas, Nevada, MO; and Dalton Modlin (Aly Lunkenheimer), Greenville, TX.  Additional survivors include his mother, Marynell Modlin, El Dorado Springs, MO; 6 sisters: Vicki Jo Smith (Marion), Osborn, MO; Leslie Roberts (Terry), Maysville, MO; Kathy Case (Duane) and Donna Wallace, both of Independence, MO; Lorie Smith and Suzanna Coonts (Jerry), all of El Dorado Springs, MO; 2 brothers:  David Swan, Nevada, MO; and Paul Modlin (Angie), Moundville, MO; his father-in-law, Leonard Braun; brother-in-law, Terry Kessner; sister-in-law Kathy Modlin; many brothers and sisters-in-law through his wife, Kristie, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

      Bill was preceded in death by his father, Larry Modlin; 2 sisters: Marie Cantrell and Mary Ann Kessner; 2 brothers:  Gary Coe and Otto Modlin; his mother-in-law, Wilma Braun; and his grandfather, Pete Blasengym, who was his inspiration for his lifelong passion for trucking.

      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating.   Interment with military funeral honors will follow at 12:30p.m. in the Ft. Scott National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00a.m. at the funeral home.

     In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Family in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.    

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