William Joseph Shook

William "Bill" Shook, age 97, passed away August 7, 2026 in El Dorado, KS at the Sunflower Care Home. He was the son of Les and Nellie Shook of El Dorado, KS.

He grew up in El Dorado. As a boy, he was the Times employee, who began selling war stamps and bonds on December 11, 1942 and who, until the end of the fourth war loan campaign, in February, had sold an even $21,000 worth of these securities. This is the largest amount of stamps and bonds sold by any person of Billy Joe's years in Butler County and far exceeds the average sales for most adults.

He graduated in 1947 from El Dorado High School and immediately started his career at SW Bell Telephone with a career lasting 38 years and 3 months, retiring in 1986. Having relocated many times during his tenure of his telephone company career, ending in Wichita. Bill served his country in the U.S.Army, stationed in Korea from March 1951 to December 1952.

On May 4, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joyce Lambert of Sawyer, KS and they lived in El Dorado until 1964, when they got transferred to Mulvane, KS.

To this union Kay and Scott were born.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Les and Nellie; son, Scott; brothers, Bob, Jim and sister, Mary Ann.

He leaves behind his wife of 70 years; daughter, Kay; granddaughter, Nicole and her husband, Derreck; great-grandson, Weston; daughter-in-law, Billinda and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a hole in one golfer. He enjoyed winters in south Texas, square dancing and summers in Colorado with the Wildcat Camping Club.

Memorial service is 10:00 am Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the El Dorado Christian Church, 300 W Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042.