William Edwin Michel (Bill), age 87, Carthage, MO, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at his home with family and friends by his side.
Bill was born November 29, 1931 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Edwin L. Michel and Margaret E. (Crump) Michel. Bill graduated from Carthage High in 1949, then attended the University of Missouri where he was a member and president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army. Afterwards, he returned to MU and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Bill continued to love and cheer on his Mizzou Tigers throughout his life. Bill also enjoyed playing drums and singing in various bands throughout most of his life.
Dr. Bill opened his animal hospital in Carthage, MO. He was a lover of every kind of animal and devoted 30 years to learning, improving and saving their lives in his practice. During this time, Bill wrote monthly articles for the Carthage Press known as “Animal Crackers.” We can only imagine the animals at the rainbow bridge waiting to greet him.
He married Sunny Shoults on August 12, 1960 in Crystal City, MO and they raised two children on Maple Manor Farm, Sherri and Mike.
Bill led an extraordinary life in his 87 years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Loving and adoring his wife Sunny more than the world, Bill was married to his Sunshine for 59 years. He was a legendary father and grandfather to his two children and four grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Papa Bill” he has left a legacy for them to remember as he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend, photographer, wood worker, music lover, animal lover, cowboy, story teller and adventurer to all.
Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Carthage where he served as a deacon and elder. He was a member of the Carthage Rotary Club and participated in many of the Rotarian musicals. He was also a member of the United Missouri Bank board of directors for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Sunny; daughter, Sherri Marney (Mike), Wichita, KS; son, Mike Michel (Kim), Atlanta, GA; and four grandchildren, Maddie McGraw (Michael), Ft. Worth, TX; Meredith Marney, Ft. Smith, AR; Sophie Michel, Atlanta, GA; Cole Michel, Atlanta, GA.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday, March 18, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, Carthage. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Carthage Humane Society or the First Presbyterian Church in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
I am greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Micheal’s passing. During times of crisis with my pets, he always was so kind and loving. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sunny and the family!
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