William "Bill" Dean McLanahan, 72, of Archie, MO, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 at his home. Celebration of Life services were held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, Missouri. Inurnment at a later date in Everett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Haven of Cass County or the food pantry of the Archie United Methodist Church.

Bill was born August 23, 1949 to Frank and Opal Lorene (Burris) McLanahan in East Lynne, MO. After attending school and serving in Vietnam, Bill made his living running equipment and working in the dirt. Whether it was being a mechanic, driller, or blaster for multiple area rock quarries or farming at his home, Bill loved playing in the dirt. He was connected to it - especially his family farm.

Bill married the love of his life on August 19, 1974 at a small wedding chapel in Miami, Oklahoma. That was his and Karen's first adventure, and they would fill the next 47 years with countless more.

Bill had many hobbies, but the one he is most known for is playing with bees. This was something that his dad did when he was a child, and Bill found it fascinating. In his retirement years, Bill reconnected with his passion for beekeeping and loved every minute of it. For years, you could always find Bill and Karen at a local farmers market selling honey and eggs, visiting, and laughing with countless strangers and friends. Bill always had a funny story to share and could make almost anyone laugh.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his sister. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen McLanahan; his sons: Raymond (Christa), Daniel (Jenny), Bill, and Jason (Candice); 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his brothers: Charlie (Linda) McLanahan, Connie McLanahan, James (Tammy) McLanahan, and Michael (Sonja) McLanahan; and many nieces and nephews.