G. William "Bill" Startz, age 88, passed away Friday, July 20, 2007 at Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita, KS. He was a retired mechanic from Warner Robins Georgia Air Force Base. He also served during WWII in the Army Air Force.

G. William "Bill" Startz was born June 10, 1919, in Parsons, KS to George and Lillian (Erdman) Startz.

On August 31, 1943 he married Elnora Parsons in Wellington, KS. Bill and Elnora have lived in Wichita for the past ten years, having moved from Warner Robins, Georgia.

Bill was a gentle man. He loved adventure and in his early years, he hitchhiked from Kansas to the West Coast to get a glimpse of what was outside the world in which he grew up. He was an entrepreneur in the early years, starting an aircraft manufacturing plant in Wellington, KS with Earl Clarkson, known as "Clarkson & Startz", as well as a refrigeration business, known as "Frigidmist". He had a passion for the wildblue yonder, piloted his own plane and was always interested in what was going on in space travel. He loved nature and had an enthusiasm for growing things. He always had a vegetable garden and beautiful flower gardens. He loved animals and raised homing pigeons as a child.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles Startz and Bob Startz.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elnora Startz of Wichita, KS; three daughters, Patricia Startz of Wichita, KS, Penny Nelson and her husband Dennis and Pamala Perkins, all of Houston, TX; and one sister, Marguerite Davis of Marquette, KS.

Private Family Services will be held on Saturday morning, July 28, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. at the Frank Funeral Home with Reverend Alan Lindal officiating.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.

A memorial has been established with the Humane Society.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.