Billy Dean “Bill” Schwalm, 93, of Alma, Kansas, died Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at his home. He was a life-long resident of the area.
Bill was born November 2, 1929, in Paxico, Kansas, the son of Oscar W. and Bertha (Brock) Schwalm. He attended local grade school and graduated in 1947 from Paxico High School. He later served in the Kansas National Guard.
Bill was a bonded livestock dealer and bought and sold cattle all around the area. He also worked a while at the Manhattan Sale Barn.
He married Helen Ruth Southerland on December 23, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas. They were married over fifty-seven years when she preceded him in death on March 6, 2008.
Bill loved the horse races, going to the casino. was a regular at the sale barn. Bill loved to attend all the activities of his kids and grandkids. He seldom missed either their games or even many of their practices. In their earlier years Bill and Helen loved to dance and play bridge.
Bill is survived by his children; Larry Schwalm, Alma, and Nancy Shreve (Mark), Shawnee; his grandchildren, Richard Wagner (Shelby), Jessica Wagner (John), Amanda Wagner (Mike), Abbey Wagner, Kage Akers, Tana Akers and Ryan Quintanilla (Renee); and his great-grandchildren, Kyla, Natalie, Talon, Austin, Emma, Rylan, Keaton, Anniston, Carter, Caysen, and Felix;Special caretaker Monica Hinch; and and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Rene Akers, his grandson, Tanyr, and his siblings, Jean, Donald, Marge, Oscar Jr., and Patricia.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Alma United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at the McFarland City Cemetery. They suggest memorial contributions to Interim Hospice, Alma United Methodist Church, or the Wabaunsee County Historical Society, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.