William C. Phelps

William C. (Cunningham) Phelps, the 40th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri, passed away in Houston, Texas, March 19, 2019, following a short illness. Phelps was elected Lieutenant Governor of Missouri in 1972, serving under Governors Christopher S. (Kit) Bond and Joseph (Joe) Teasdale, 1973-1981. Bill Phelps, born in Nevada, Mo. on April 5, 1934, to Dr. Dean and Irene Myers Phelps, attended the Nevada schools where he played football and basketball and was Valedictorian of his class. He received a degree in economics in 1956 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, was selected to be a member of Mystical Seven, based on good deeds, selfless leadership and service to the campus and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He completed his active duty service with the US Army after being commissioned by the ROTC as a second lieutenant on graduation day in 1956. Phelps graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1959. He joined the law firm of Morrison, Hecker, Cozad and Curtis where he met Joanne Ronchetto, who became his wife in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joanne. Others include Myers cousins, Phelps cousins and the Ronchetto family. Bill also leaves behind many friends across our country. Funeral services will be held at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019, with a reception to follow. A Memorial service will also be held at the Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S Washington, Nevada, MO at 3:30 p.m. with interment to follow at the Newton Burial Park in Nevada. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lt. Governor William C. and Joanne Phelps Foundation, which provides scholarships for graduates of Nevada High School: Nevada R5 Foundation, C/O 800 W Hickory, Nevada MO 64772 or to Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com