William "Bill" Ross Hasten

Bill was born on October 26, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to Evelyn (Belk) and William Elza Hasten. Bill graduated from Van Horn High School in 1963 and joined the Navy shortly after. He continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1978.

Bill married Susan (Cole) in 1965, the couple welcomed to their family Christopher Ross in August 1968, and Jewelee Sue in December 1970. Bill and Susan divorced in 1979. Bill married Connie (Spicer) in 1980. Their blended family now included two additional children, Brian Spicer and Stephany Spicer, and they moved to Blue Springs in 1981. Bill was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 1986, but thanks to his strength and the support of great medical care, he was able to overcome the challenges of this diagnosis throughout the remainder of his life.

Bill’s career was largely dedicated to working in the tire business. After early roles with Uniroyal and Shore Tire, Bill’s career blossomed when he began working for Bridgestone in 1978. He retired from Bridgestone as a District Fleet Manager in 1999.

Throughout his life Bill was a devoted Christian, proud family man, and dependable friend. Bill and Connie have attended Blue Springs Christian Church since 1997. Bill loved experiencing the beauty of the outdoors through hunting, fishing, shooting sports, golf, and travel. He was an avid reader, who generously shared his time and wisdom with loved ones. Bill also volunteered as a Hunter Education instructor for the Missouri Department of Conservation for many years. During retirement Bill and Connie enjoyed traveling, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and socializing with friends.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the caregivers and friends who have helped to navigate his passing.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Kennedy; father William Hasten; stepfather John Kennedy; and brother Norman Eugene Walker.

Bill is survived by his wife Connie; children Chris Hasten [fiancée Angie Frazier] and Jewelee Lukowski [spouse Thommy]; stepchildren Brian Spicer [spouse Kimberly] and Stephany Shields [fiancée Darren Meyer]; grandchildren Brady Shields, Marra Arbeau [spouse Stephen], Brendan Spicer, Logan Shields, and Natalie Spicer; great-grandson Peter Arbeau; stepsisters Judy Hasten and Marilynn Hasten; and stepbrother John Mike Kennedy.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Blue Springs Christian Church, visitation starts at 1:00 with services beginning at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.