William Jay Huls, 79, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away May 9, 2023, at Liberty Hospital from cardiac arrest.
Mr. Huls was born on November 24, 1943, in Marshall, TX. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Kansas, and Master of Education degree from Baker University. Bill was a public-school teacher for 30 years in the Excelsior Springs School District where he taught social studies, coached basketball, volleyball, and track and field, and was active in political discourse. He retired from teaching in 1996 but continued to coach for the Pembroke and Lathrop school districts. He was an avid collector of baseball cards and autographs, and always had his nose in a book. He enjoyed eating at restaurants, watching movies and sports, and spending time with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Jay and E. Marie Huls, his brother, Samuel, and sister, Bette McCormick.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, and his son, Christopher.
Visitation will be held at 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023 with a service to follow at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
It is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.
Our Sincere Condolences
Betty and Chris….We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I am sure that Gary, Bill and Sugar Bear are having a 4 o’clock club meeting right now and the drinks and BS are running rampant! Our thoughts and prayers are with you…….The family of Gary Kennedy…Sandy Jones. Amy. Jeremy, Josh, Jason, Amber, Amanda and their families.
Sandra Sue Jones (Kennedy)
It’s with my deepest sympathy to Betty & the family of Bill. He was one of my teachers & a great one. He touched the lives of countless young students. He had a wonderful demeanor about himself and never knew a stranger. Bill made a person feel comfortable. I think that’s a rare quality in a human being. Bill was just a natural when it came to socially making one feel right at home. He seemed to never forget you once you met him. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Rick Woods
Everyone has a favorite teacher. Bill was mine. And to make it even more remarkable is how Bill spent so much time with the Class of 1969. To me, it was having dinner monthly with one of my heroes and having that hero show up at almost every school reunion and celebration. He will live on in the memories of his many students. I will miss him and our class gatherings will never be the same. RIP Bill. May we meet again on the other side.
Bob Neal
Betty and Christopher, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Our class (1969) was always embraced by Mr. Hulls, and we felt as he belonged to us. He was one of us. It breaks my heart for your loss. I hope it warms your hearts to know how loved, he was, by so many.
God Bless. Tena N.
The many good memories I cherish of Bill Huls temper the sadness I feel from his passing. He was one of my favorite high school teachers as he brought history to life. He participated in a public forum I moderated during our senior year (1972). He mentored me as a student teacher for him in 1971-72 in a sophomore history class, and today I still use the creative teaching methodologies he taught me. In 1972 he recruited Jerry Grayson and me to stage a fight for his psychology class, and he used that to illustrate limits of human observation by asking the class to describe what they saw. I’ll always remember his willingness to help others, his inclusive outlook, his gracious smile, his wry sense of humor, his infectious laugh. We shared a love of classic rock music. He and I were at an auction a few years ago and we both bid on an autographed Elton John vinyl album. We have lost a light in this world, but I’m thankful God and his family shared him with us. My warmest wishes to his family and friends. Teachers do make the world a better place. John 14:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Steve Stratton
Very few people have a significant and enduring influence on a person’s life path. Mr. Huls sure did on mine. The interest he showed in me — both in the classroom and in political organizations — played in a big role in my decisions to go on to college and graduate school, study political science, and become a professor. He made a difference in my life, and his memory is a blessing.
Tim McDaniel
Betty and Chris, I am so sorry for your loss! I have some idea of what you are going through, Betty. I am glad I had the chance to know Bill, and I know he was a great teacher. If I can be of any help to you, please contact me. My prayers are with you, and your family.
Sharon Senger
My sincere condolences on your loss. Mr. Huls was one of my favorite teachers in 77-78. I will never forget his kindness to me.
Lori (Robb) Piercy
I only have good memories of my 20+ years teaching next door with Bill. No finer gentleman or educator ever existed. He was a vital part of the Social Studies Department, High School Family and many friendships. Our profession allows a persons memory to last generations. This is certainly the case for Bill. Our condolences to Betty and Chris.
Ron and Jill
