William H. ‘Bill’ ‘Zeke’ DeHart
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Bill (Zeke) was born June 25, 1950 in Kansas City to Robert and Eleanor DeHart and died unexpectedly on January 12, 2020. He graduated from Southeast High School and attended UMKC, where he served on the Student Cultural Activities Board and organized a visit by Allen Ginsburg, Ken Kesey, and the Merry Pranksters. He received his Licensed Practical Nurse training from Penn Valley Community College in 1992. For over twenty-five years, he was a nurse for various nursing homes, senior living centers, and home health services in Kansas City.
Bill was a man of many talents and interests. He had been a zookeeper (hence Zeke), fireman, EMT, painter, drywaller, and nurse. He enjoyed music (especially Otis Redding, The Band, and Jim Morrison), reading (Jim Harrison, William Least Heat Moon), baseball (watching, playing, and volunteering as an RBI coach to inner-city kids), Buddhist teachings, fishing, golf, whitewater rafting, the outdoors, and road trips. But his greatest satisfaction and sense of accomplishment was providing nursing care to “the least, the lost, and the last.” For those who had little money, he bought personal items at his own expense. For those who were troubled, he provided a listening ear and lively conversation. For those who were lonely or alone, he became a friend and welcome visitor. His family is extremely proud of all he did for others.
Bill’s survivors include his sister Joyce Lynch (Jim) and their children David and Sarah; his brother Richard DeHart (Bev); his sister Becky Smith (Jake); his sons Aaron (Kristy) and their two sons and Zachary (Jill) and their three children; his nieces and nephew Hannah, Jennie, and Jedediah Smith (Kay); his great-niece Ellyson and great-nephew Jeremy; and his ex-wife, longtime friend and fellow caregiver Sally Marks. Also surviving are his last remaining aunt Molly West of Northridge, CA and various first, and second cousins.
We know he is in a good place now. But we loved him deeply and will miss him greatly. As Bill would often say, “It is what it is.”
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 in the afternoon at St. Regis Catholic Church, 8941 James A. Reed Road, in the Parish Hall.
Visits: 5
I love you and miss you Bill, thank You for your compassion and the time you spent with me.i will never forget you.
Bill was a well respected firefighter, and engineer, and medic for Kansas City Missouri Fire Deptin the Westport Firehouse. Bill was also a zookeeper at Kansas City Zoo, and loved birds, he was also a fire fighter in the Carolinas, and has been a licenced practical nurse in Missouri for well over 20 years. Lately he specialized in wound care for the disabled, and homebound, and at nursing facilities around the KC metro area. Bill was well loved by his patients and those around him, and will be deeply missed. Bill was compassionate to every living thing around him, and was studying Buddhist practices, and understandings the last few years of his life. Bill was humbly proud of his achievements, never stopped learning new things in his fields of study, and always took others insights into account. Bill will never be forgotten by those close to Him, May He rest in Peace, See You soon Friend.
I especially remember what an avid reader Zeke was, and he often shared his favorite titles with me…thank you, Zeke. I read quite a few of your favorite books. Dave remembers a trip he MISSED in Zeke’s Ford Econoline van that was headed to Florida (with Jim Hall & Jake Smith). Dave also loved the guitar sessions on the front porch of 55th & Virginia house…but not sure the neighbors did! One final lasting memory is that Zeke threw a “mean curve ball” in overhand softball. You are missed for sure, Zeke!!
So sad to read about Bill’s death. My sympathies to all the family.
We have fond memories of Zeke in the first part of the 1970s at 55 and Virginia and at Mike’s Bar on Troost. Zeke always soft spoken and considerate, with a wry sense of humor. So sorry to hear that he is gone too soon. He will live on in our memories.
So sad to hear of Zeke’s passing. We were buddies on a terrible senior softball team that one year surprised everyone (including ourselves) by winning it all! Zeke provided a lot of the quirky good humor that allowed us to keep plugging away through all the losing years. I don’t miss the losing, but I miss Zeke.
Happy Birthday, Zeke! Remember Your promise…
Happy Birthday, Zeke!
I played some Van Morrison ? and danced in the rain.?