Billy Perry Compton

Billy Perry Compton, age 91, of Wichita, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2015. No visitation. Memorial gathering 11 AM Monday, February 23, at The Studio, 1939 E Diedrich, Haysville. A meal will be served, please come and join the family for fellowship and food. Billy was born July 31, 1923 in Redfield, SD, to William P. and Emma (Oechsle) Compton. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1942 and joined the Army Air Corps. He flew P-47 fighters in the South Pacific Theater of Operations in WWII. He used the famous GI Bill and received his degree from KSTC, Emporia, in 1950. He taught high school math, worked for Monsanto, Boeing and Cessna. He held a patent on a stall warning device for small airplanes, and advocated the use of the Pyrolysis Process to handle the solid waste crisis. Billy is a member of the American Legion, VFW, Quiet Birdmen and Daedalians. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; sisters, Mary Jane Leifsen, Ruth Schroeder, Alice Carr, Ada Christman and his twin sister, Betty Becker. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Kathryn; son, Carl and his wife, Suzie Konkel Compton, Derby; sisters, Shirley Solheim, Frankfort, SD, Phyllis Pribble, Redfield, SD; grandchildren, Claire Compton, Atlanta, GA, Caty Compton, Spartanburg, SC, Craig, Colleen and Christian Compton, all of Derby; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Unit, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, 5500 E. Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67218.