William Orbin “Billy” Elrod, 87, of White Cloud, KS, died early Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha where he had been a resident for nearly 6 weeks. He previously had been a resident of Vintage Park Assisting Living in Hiawatha for 18 months.

He was born July 14, 1928, in Helena, Missouri, the oldest of four sons born to Amos and Oma Cooper Elrod. His family moved to the Weston, Missouri area where Billy attended grade school. The family later moved to Sparks where he graduated from the last graduating class at Sparks High School. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 until 1955, and in the Army Reserves until 1961, honorably discharged at the rank of corporal. He returned to this area and worked for Montgomery Ward, department manager for men’s wear, in St. Joseph for 25 years, while living in Wathena, KS and St. Joseph, MO. He later worked for Tractor Supply in sales and setting up new stores, in St. Joseph, for 11 years and lived at White Cloud. After retirement, he enjoyed repairing and restoring old cars; most importantly, taking rides with his dog “Little Bud.”

Mr. Elrod was a member of American Legion Post #154, of White Cloud; and Smithton Lodge #1, AF&AM, of Highland.

Survivors include two daughters: Deborah White (Neil) of Denison, TX, Pamela Hillman (Randy) of Kenosha, WI; 5 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister in law Lois Elrod of White Cloud.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter Delores Elrod; and three brothers: Robert, Galen, and Jackie.

Masonic Committal Services are planned for 9:30 Friday, March 25, followed by the family visiting with friends until 10:30, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, to go in procession to Iola Cemetery, south of Sparks for graveside services. Pastor Glen Acree, Jr. will officiate, followed by military honors.

Friends may call at the funeral home from noon until 6 Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Iola Cemetery or Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at Mosiac Life Center, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035. A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com