Bill Meridith

Billy Bert Meridith went home to see Jesus on April 23, 2025. He was born on Thursday, February 16, 1939 to Jasper Paul and Lois Elizabeth (Olmstead) Meridith in Hutchinson, KS. He always joked he was born in the salt mines and that’s why he was so salty. He attended school in Argonia, KS graduating with the class of ’57. He attended Emporia State for 6 weeks and thought it wasn’t for him. His friend always told people Bill was so smart he got through college in 6 weeks. He then went to work at Farrar Machine Shop in Norwich where he was fascinated how you could make working parts out of pieces of metal. He was married to Judy Ann Coffelt and to this union were born his children that he cherished: Deeta Kay Strader (Mike), Susan Meridith Hensey (Brett), Shelly Lynn Delice (Ron), and Billy Ross Meridith (Jess). He married Judith Ann Bliss on October 9, 1981, and acquired his bonus daughter Lisa Baird (Rob).

On May 9, 1966 at the age of 27, Bill and some other partners started Precision Machining, which was well respected in the aircraft industry. He machined parts for Boeing, Beech, Cessna and McDonnell Douglas. He had so much knowledge on machining titanium he had people calling for information on how to do it. He was equally respected by his employees who would do anything he wanted them to do. He learned to fly and was an excellent pilot, even though he was scared of heights. He was able to land 2 planes that could have ended in crashes. When he was learning to fly, he and Judy would take a sandwich during lunch and go flying. He was an avid water skier and loved skiing at Table Rock Lake with his siblings, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He helped many first time skiers experience the thrill of gliding across the water, patiently coaching “Skis together, knees bent, arms out straight, let the boat pull you up!”

Bill never met a stranger and always had his hand out for a handshake. He was always a good witness for his best friend, Jesus. Jesus asked him to build a Christian school where the young children of Wellington could worship Jesus openly with a prayer circle every morning. For 20 years, Bill opened the door for the students, greeted them, and taught them how to make eye contact and shake hands. He would beam when they sang “Jesus Loves Me” in prayer circle, because he wanted everyone to know how much Jesus loves them! Bill has heard “well done, good and faithful servant” and has received his crown.

He is survived by his “Judith Ann”; all of his children; grandchildren Meridith (Trey) Lohse, Melissa (Matt) Ybarra, Grey and Cheyenne Hensey, Dr. Bliss Baird, Leela and Lucas Meridith, Zinedine and Aurelie Delice; great grandchildren Asher, Jude and Eden Lohse, Margot and Elowyn Ybarra; sisters Janet Marie Leddy and Judy Kay Casner; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob Meridith, sister Jayree Ricke, niece Ladonna Dawson, brothers-in-law Jack Casner, Leroy Ricke and Andy Leddy, and sister-in-law, Sandra Meridith.

Visitation with family will be held at Wellington Christian Academy on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., directly followed by the celebration of life beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please wear brightly colored clothing, and jeans are welcome!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to his beloved Wellington Christian Academy, 205 N. Hoover Rd., Wellington KS 67152.

Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas 67152.