William L. "Bill" Risley, 88, died Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Thorne Care Center.

He was born September 25, 1921, in Reno County to Frank and Mary Bressler Risley.

He was a 1941 graduate of Nickerson High School. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater, Japan and Philippines. He lived and farmed in the Nickerson community for 78 years before retiring. His memberships included Nickerson Farmers Cooperative Elevator Board, Nickerson Independent Order of Odd Fellows Past Noble Grand, Salt Creek Township Board, past president of Salem Sheep Board Association, Loyal Order of the Moose No. 982, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 68, both of Hutchinson. He belonged to Salem Community Church of the Brethren.

On March 25, 1948, he married Irene Tucker in Hutchinson. She died June 5, 1997. Then on December 18, 1999, he married Mary Lou Ewing in Hutchinson. She died February 4, 2005.

He is survived by: his two sons and their spouses, Allen and Sarah Frank, Nickerson, Jim and Sharon Frank, Great Bend; stepsons, Dave and Donna Ewing, Lake Havasu, Arizona, Ken and Ru Ewing, Hindsville, Arkansas; stepdaughter, Kathy and David Dawson, Lake Ozark, Missouri; brother, Gene Risley, Kingman; sister, Francis Martin, Houston, Texas; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Gaylord, Richard, Glen and a sister, Mary Risley.

Funeral will be Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor George D. Hinton officiating. Burial will be in the Wildmead Cemetery, Nickerson, KS. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with family present 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial gifts may be made to Salem Community Church of the Brethren.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave his family a condolence or remembrance.

His family would like to thank Dr. Fesen, the oncology staff, Wesley Towers and the staff at Thorne Care Center for the loving care they gave Bill.