William H. Breshears, 79, of Chetopa, went to be with the Lord at 2:25 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2007, at his home in Chetopa with his family by his side.
He was born July 27, 1927, in Aldrich, Missouri, to Charles Wesley and Mary Margaret (Holcomb) Breshears. After graduating from Picher High School on May 18, 1945, he joined the Navy. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict and was celebrated with numerous medals and was bestowed honors.
He retired from the Navy on January 27, 1965, at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, after having served his country for 20 years.
Having been trained in electronics while in the Navy, he went to work for ABC television as a videotape editor. Some of his earlier shows included "The Steve Allen Show", "American Bandstand", "The Pat Boone Show" and "The Osmonds". Later in his career, he became an Emmy award winner. His shows included "Cheers", "Coach", "Designing Women", "Full House" and "The Simpsons", just to name a few. He went to work every day in his cowboy boots, polyester pants, suspenders and a tweed jacket that never seemed to match.
In 1991, he retired and moved from Hollywood to San Diego where he lived until 2004. After the passing of his beloved wife, Pat, he decided to return to his roots and family in Chetopa where his journey has ended. The love for his family and friends will forever remain with each of you in Chetopa. He loved you all. He will be fondly remembered as "Daddy", "Grampy", "Great-Grampy" and "Uncle Bill".
He was a great lover of large cats. For over 30 years, he raised 130 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and jaguars. The two elephants were too big to bring home so they remained at the ranch.
SURVIVORS:
Sister - Hazel Mayfield
Daughter - Lin Kenny and her husband, Michael
Son - William Breshears, Jr.
Granddaughters – Stephanie Jordan and Kacie-Lin Donfris
Grandson - Griffin Paul Breshears
Two Great Granddaughters – Kaylee Marie Jordan and Rylee Renee Jordan
Twelve Nephews
Eight Nieces
Ten Great Nephews
Eight Great Nieces
Three Sisters-in-law
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 19, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Chetopa. Burial will be in Poway, California.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William H. Breshears, please visit our flower store.
He was born July 27, 1927, in Aldrich, Missouri, to Charles Wesley and Mary Margaret (Holcomb) Breshears. After graduating from Picher High School on May 18, 1945, he joined the Navy. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict and was celebrated with numerous medals and was bestowed honors.
He retired from the Navy on January 27, 1965, at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, after having served his country for 20 years.
Having been trained in electronics while in the Navy, he went to work for ABC television as a videotape editor. Some of his earlier shows included "The Steve Allen Show", "American Bandstand", "The Pat Boone Show" and "The Osmonds". Later in his career, he became an Emmy award winner. His shows included "Cheers", "Coach", "Designing Women", "Full House" and "The Simpsons", just to name a few. He went to work every day in his cowboy boots, polyester pants, suspenders and a tweed jacket that never seemed to match.
In 1991, he retired and moved from Hollywood to San Diego where he lived until 2004. After the passing of his beloved wife, Pat, he decided to return to his roots and family in Chetopa where his journey has ended. The love for his family and friends will forever remain with each of you in Chetopa. He loved you all. He will be fondly remembered as "Daddy", "Grampy", "Great-Grampy" and "Uncle Bill".
He was a great lover of large cats. For over 30 years, he raised 130 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and jaguars. The two elephants were too big to bring home so they remained at the ranch.
SURVIVORS:
Sister - Hazel Mayfield
Daughter - Lin Kenny and her husband, Michael
Son - William Breshears, Jr.
Granddaughters – Stephanie Jordan and Kacie-Lin Donfris
Grandson - Griffin Paul Breshears
Two Great Granddaughters – Kaylee Marie Jordan and Rylee Renee Jordan
Twelve Nephews
Eight Nieces
Ten Great Nephews
Eight Great Nieces
Three Sisters-in-law
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 19, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Chetopa. Burial will be in Poway, California.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William H. Breshears, please visit our flower store.
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