COURTER, William Granville "Bill" - b. January 31, 1928 - d. October 26, 2015

[patyrn]

William Granville Courter died October 26, 2015 at Eureka Nursing Center in Eureka, Kansas at the age of 87.  He was born on January 31, 1928 in rural Climax, Kansas, the son of Charles and Marian (Devier) Courter.

Bill was raised in rural Greenwood County and attended Climax schools, graduating from Climax High School.  After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he served one year in Japan.  In 1948, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Campbell.  They made their home in rural Climax.  To this union three children were born.  Dorothy preceded him in death in 1973.  On November 30, 1974, Bill was united in marriage to Eleanor (Troll) Hawthorne in Eureka, Kansas.  They made their home in rural Severy, Kansas and later moved to Eureka in 2005.

Bill was a lifelong farmer and resident of Greenwood County.  He worked for Boeing for 16 years, retiring in 1994.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Bill is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of the home; two sons, Jerry and wife, Terri Courter of Augusta, Kansas and Ray Courter of Topeka, Kansas; four stepchildren, Carmen and husband, Tim Ashlock of Bonner Springs, Kansas, Carol Westbrook of Eureka, Kansas, David and wife, Peggy Hawthorne of Eureka, Kansas, and Shelley and husband, Gary Houser of Wamego, Kansas; one sister, Jean Marchand of Wichita, Kansas;  five grandchildren; eleven step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; his son, Larry; and his brother, Clayton.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 514 N. Elm Street, Eureka, Kansas with Father Steve Gronert officiating.  Rosary recitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Cremation has been effected.  Inurnment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka,.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is in charge of service arrangements.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)