William Leslie Fife

William Leslie Fife, 69, of Jefferson City, was released into the hands of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at St. Joseph's Bluffs following a lengthy illness. Bill was born on June 6, 1943, in East Alton, Ill., the youngest child of William Thaddeus and Pauline G. (Treat) Fife, who preceded him in death. He spent his early years in East Alton before moving to Jefferson City with his family in 1957. Bill attended Jefferson City High School, graduating in 1961. It was during high school that he met the former Susan Gloria White, to whom he was united in marriage on September 7, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City. He also attended Lincoln University for several years. Bill spent over 30 years working for Simpson Tobacco Company as a route salesman. It was through this job that he became acquainted with numerous merchants and retailers throughout Missouri, proving that no one was a stranger in his eyes. Bill had a true gift for meeting people and making friends. This talent followed him in later years during his employment as an Account Manager for FIS, until illness necessitated a leave of absence in June 2012. Bill had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting deer and turkey, camping and watching sports, theater and musical events that his grandchildren participated in. Traveling was also a past-time that he and Susan shared, spending time in various destinations throughout the years. Nothing, however, was as important to Bill as his faith. He became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in 1965 where he served as an elder for several years and as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 8. His belief in God's grace was a shining example to his children and grandchildren and in his last months, to family and friends as he marveled in the wonders of God's protection and hand in his life. Bill is survived by his wife and best friend: Susan; four children and their spouses: Leslie and Jim Lehmer, Matt and Brenda Fife, and Seth and Jennifer Fife, all of Jefferson City and Sarah and David Wheaton of Bates City, Mo.; grandchildren: Will and Beth Fife; Erin, Gloria and Jon Anderson; Brady, Hallie and Alexander Fife; Hannah and Matthew Wheaton. Two sisters and a brother-in-law survive: Mary Rook of Glasgow, Mo. and Leta and Don Hunt of Peoria, Ill., as well as numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country. Welcoming Bill into his heavenly home are his parents; his parents-in-law, Ray and Gloria White; a brother, John Thaddeus Fife, and sister, Barbara Sue Houghton. Friends will be received from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Russ Bowder officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Building Improvement Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com