William N. "Bill" Durrett

William "Bill" Durrett, 68, of Parsons, passed away at 1:42 p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born on November 11, 1956.  ON VETERANS DAY!  He believed that the Veterans Day parade was done in his honor every year and he had to attend.

Bill grew up and lived in Kansas his entire life.  He was a resident of the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for 17 years.  While residing at the state hospital, he worked for Kustom Parts and the canteen for many years.  He would ride his two-wheel bike and later a three-wheeler all over the grounds doing deliveries and running errands.  He participated for several years in the Gary J. Daniels Sunbelt Rodeo, as well as Kansas Special Olympics.  He loved his Rewards!

After graduating from the state hospital, he went to live in the care of RTSSK for eight years.  While living with RTSSK, Bill was able to move into his own apartment in August of 2019, which was very important to him as this was his first time ever living completely alone.  He gained a job in the community working as a janitor at McDonald's.  He thoroughly enjoyed his job, because "the ladies loved a man in uniform."

He lived with Out N About Support Services for three years.  He met some of his greatest friends and long-term acquaintances in their care and from living at the state hospital.

Bill's greatest joys in life were simple, but extremely important to him.  If he had his beer, cigarettes, John Wayne Westerns, cheeseburgers, and Dr. Pepper, life was good.  He enjoyed going on his weekly trip with his guardians to Ballers.  He loved listening to all 80's and 90's Country music CD's with his Walkman.  In his later years, he absolutely loved having the opportunity to vote.  He wanted to be a Republican, because that's what John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were.

Over the years, many people fell in love with Bill, and he loved them.  In most recent times, he was closest with the Hill family, the Pease family, the Ball family and his caregivers.

There will be a Memorial Service from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025, at Ballers Sports Bar and Grill in Parsons.