William "Biill" Cantillon Passes Away

 William David “Bill” Cantillon passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, while under the care of Ascend Hospice at St. Marys Manor.

Bill was born on March 5, 1937, to Richard “Dick” and Ann Cantillon. He was raised on the same farm he would later call home throughout his life. Bill attended a one-room schoolhouse (Stone School, Dist 75, on Arn Road NW of Rossville) through the eighth grade before attending St. Marys High School, where he graduated in 1955. A lifelong athlete, Bill enjoyed all sports, but he was especially fond of basketball. He always kept a hoop set up at the farm and continued playing in adult leagues for many years.

In 1957, Bill married Nida Mogus, and together they moved to Oklahoma. They were blessed with four children: Rich, Kathy, Mike, and Candy. They later divorced in 1968. Bill returned to Kansas and married Judith Tolle on June 12, 1971. Judy brought three more children into Bill’s life: Kim, Dennis, and Jodi.

Bill worked for Goodyear in Topeka, Kansas, retiring after a 33-year career. For most of those years, he worked the night shift, which allowed him time during the day to devote himself to one of his greatest passions: farming. Bill loved all things related to agriculture and even spent a brief time in the cattle business, running yearling cattle with his son Mike. He also had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was jogging, riding his bike, or driving to the mountains to hike, he always wanted to be outside. Bill was always ready for the next road trip and loved traveling to watch his grandchildren compete in any sporting activity. He was always available for a phone call and never turned down an invitation to see new country.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Ann Cantillon; his sister, Carolyn Mitchell; his son, Mike Cantillon; and his daughter, Kathy Overby. He is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Judy Cantillon; Children: Rich (Pam) Cantillon of Blackwell, Oklahoma; Candy Karpe of Bixby, Oklahoma; Kim (Shawn) Fordham of Rossville, Kansas; Dennis Tolle of Topeka, Kansas; and Jodi Jordan of Rossville, Kansas. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren living in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys. A graveside service will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Manor Activity Fund and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.