Bill Shouse, 74, of LaPlata, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday May 7, 2017 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, surrounded by family and friends. Bill was born on October 15, 1942 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Lee and Louise (Lockett) Shouse.

On May 8, 1960, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judy Bohanan. Bill and Judy were married for 52 years, and to this union three children were born. Judy preceded Bill in death on October 8, 2012. Bill and Judy were hard-working farming partners, best friends, and wonderful role models for a great marriage, true love, and the best friends anyone could ask for.

Bill is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Randy Shouse of LaPlata, MO, and Chuck and Cyndi Shouse of San Antonio, TX; and a granddaughter, Caysi Shouse and boyfriend Birdie Buck of LaPlata, MO.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Judy, daughter Connie Leann Shouse, grandson Cody Shouse, and sister Shirley Plunk.

Bill grew up on the family farm in the Wilsontown area. He received his early education at the Star School and was a graduate of the Brashear High School. Bill and Judy took great pride in the farming operation. They shared their love of agriculture and their way of life with their beloved grandchildren, Caysi and Cody, who spent many of their summer months growing up on the family farm.

Early in his married life, Bill worked for Selby Implement in Quincy, IL. There, he gained mechanical knowledge and experience which gave him the ability to fix practically anything when he came back to the family farm. His farming skills and upbeat personality made him a mentor to many young farmers. He was a wealth of knowledge.

His practical jokes and story telling made Bill notorious to everyone he came into contact with. Bill had a larger-than-life personality. When Bill worked, he worked hard. When he played, he played even harder.

Bill and Judy were competition tractor pullers from around 1980 to 1985. He also enjoyed 4-wheeler riding, mushroom hunting, camping, and anything involving gatherings with family and friends. He continued to host huge Fourth of July celebrations at his home.

Bill was a member of the Kirksville Moose Lodge, founding member of the American Agriculture Movement (AAM), and a member of the LaPlata Baptist Church. For several years he was an active member of the Brashear Volunteer Fire Department.

Bill and his contagious laugh touched the lives of many. His happy demeanor will last forever in the memories of family and friends.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2017 after 4:00 p.m. and family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor John Bowen officiating. Interment will follow the service at Wilsontown Cemetery northeast of LaPlata, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Poston, Jim Kelsey, Dick Hughes, David Mitchell, Travis Poston, and Dillon Poston. Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Hughes, Donald Beach, and Kevin Gregory.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill Shouse may be made to the Wilsontown Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.