Billy Ray “Willie” Stednitz

Billy Ray “Willie” Stednitz, age 82, of Cassville, MO

Billy Ray “Willie” Stednitz, age 82, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2021 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born August 11, 1939 in Falls City, Nebraska the son of Charles F. Stednitz and Pearl Kathrine (Thomas) Black.  On April 7, 2013 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, he was united in marriage to Jeanie Stringer, who survives.  Also surviving are one son, Michael Stednitz and his wife Deborah of Glenwood, Iowa; one daughter, Michelle Barber and her husband Mark of Bellevue, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Marilyn and two sons, John and Dale.

Billy grew up and received his education in Falls City, Nebraska where he graduated from high school.  On August 14, 1959 he joined the United States Navy and served until August 6, 1963 and then moved to Bellevue, Nebraska where he was a police officer until his retirement.  In 2003 he moved to Cassville to make his home.  He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cassville.  Some of his favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, raising chickens and gardening.  He was an avid Nebraska Cornhuskers Football fan.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cassville under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.  Pastor Kevin Hilton will conduct the services.  Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Contributions may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in memory of Billy.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences