Bill Hancock

Derby - Bill Hancock, 75, died March 3, 2025.

Bill was born December 14th, 1949 to Richard and Dema Hancock in Wichita, KS.

Bill attended Derby and Haysville schools and was a graduate of Campus High School in 1967. He attended Hutchinson Junior College and Fort Hays State University, graduating from Fort Hays in 1972 with a degree in Political Science.

Bill and his wife of 53 years, Kathy (deceased), enjoyed a life filled with lots of family activities. Their home served as a hub for family events, holidays, and reunions for decades. After retirement they enjoyed traveling around the country together and visited both coast and lots of country in between in their RV.

Bill had many careers in his life; he farmed, built homes, and served as a Haysville City Councilman. in 1988 Bill was elected as a Sedgwick County Commissioner for the 2nd district. He served three consecutive terms from 1989 to 2001. After serving the county he joined his brother’s business as an owner/operator of a chain of cosmetology schools until he retired and sold the business in 2012.

Bill had many passions in life. He loved his family’s farm; Hancock Orchards. Located between Haysville and Derby, the orchard was one of a hand full in the area that allowed customers to pick their own peaches or buy them, as well as other produce, in the family store.

Bill was an avid trapshooter and was a First Team All-American Amateur Trapshooting Association member in 1965 and 1966. He owned and operated Peach Valley Trap Park for many years and supported the efforts of the Kansas Trapshooters Association in the area.

Bill also had a fascination with planes and flying. He enjoyed flying model aircraft and was a general aviation pilot and owner of a Cessna 172… a passion he shared with both of his sons.

Bill volunteered in the past with the Kansas Aviation Museum and The Wichita Wagonmasters.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Dee Hancock, parents, Richard and Dema Hancock, his step-father Paul Mahoney, and his brothers Frank Hancock and Joe Hancock.

Bill is survived by his children Brian Hancock (Shannon) of Edmond, OK, Jeff Hancock (Jennifer) of Manhattan, KS, and Katy Kitterman (Scott) of Derby, KS. As well as his six grandchildren; Kelsie, Brendan, Joey, Brody, Belle, and Dash. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay Mitchell.

Memorial Service: March 24th, 10:30am, at First Presbyterian Church, 324 N Baltimore, Derby, Kansas 67037.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Aviation Museum at their website Donate Here or by mailing donations to Kansas Aviation Museum, 3350 South George Washington Blvd., Wichita, KS 67210.