William (Bill) A. Rose , 92, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on September 27, 2026. Bill was born on January 6, 1934, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to William G. Rose and Cecelia R. (Kneib) Rose. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Joseph, MO.

Bill proudly serviced his country in the Navy. During his enlistment he was able to travel and see the world. He had many fond memories of places he seen, especially Japan and Hong Kong. He was a traveler at heart and his only regret was that he never made it to Alaska, but he had been to all the other 49 states. He went on many cruises and never said no to a chance to see something new.

Bill attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and Christian Brothers High School, both in St. Joseph, MO. After high school he attended four different colleges, all of which where he played basketball.

He loved sports as indicated by his enthusiasm for basketball. Bill had participated in many sports, such as basketball, swimming, cross country skiing, bicycling, golfing, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and gardening. He continued to stay active through his later years.

In addition to his sporting activates he had several hobbies and belonged to several clubs,two of which were the Audubon Society and the Archaeology Society. He had a Fine Arts degree and spent much of his time sketching outdoor scenes and painting portraits.He was also a taxidermist and a collector of arrowheads. He also enjoyed flint knapping. He was happiest when out in nature, no mater what the season. Bill always loved music and sang in a music group in high school.

One special memory is that at the assisted living facility, where he was a resident, he was known for his bird calls. These could be heard throughout the building, and one of the employees learned them as well and would answer him.

Bill worked many places doing many different occupations; to name a few, the News Press. Artesian Ice, Goetz Brewery, US Post Office, Burlington Railroad and many side jobs like painting houses, painting advertising signs, and different construction jobs.He lived a very full life.

Bill is survived by one uncle, several cousins and many friends of the family.

Visitation is Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Rosary at 10:30 AM, and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, all at St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Joseph, Mo.

The family would like to thank the staff of Vintage Gardens and Luminos Hospice for the excellent care they gave Bill.

If you wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory please make it to St. Francis Xavier Church.