William E. Kaveney, 77, passed away at Thorne Care Center, Wesley Towers, on Nov. 19, 2012. He was born April 4, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo., to Edgar W. and Edna Crutcher Kaveney.

He lived in St. Louis and joined the U.S. Navy after high school, followed by graduation from St. Louis University on the G. I. Bill.

On May 22, 1981, he married Patricia Bastian Nichols and they made their home in St. Louis.

He is survived by: three daughters, Cindy Russell and husband Jim of Troy, Mo., Karen Mues and husband Steve of St. Peters, Mo., and Lynda Dixon and husband David of O'Fallon, Mo.; three stepchildren, Deegie Wray and husband Greg of Hutchinson, Steve Nichols and wife Cindy of Wichita, and Jo Lynne O'Neal of Miami, Okla.; eight grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, and between them he and Pat have nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan D' Harligue.

Bill was in heating and air conditioning sales all his working career, played soccer when young and on into his 40's. He loved field trialing bird dogs on horseback and was an avid golfer.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at Evans Chapel at Wesley Towers. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Ralph Thorne Care Center at Wesley Towers, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.