Melvern - William David Criqui, 80, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at his home near Melvern, Kansas. He was born on June 15, 1943, in Melvern, Kansas, the son of Herb and Mary (Barbee) Criqui.

Bill, as he was known by many, graduated from Melvern High School in 1961. He had lived in and around Melvern all of his life except for wintering in Lake Havasu, Arizona in his later years.

Bill served in the United States Army from January of 1966 to October of 1968 in communications. After his service, he and Jack Lacey created B & J Garage, although they later pursued other career opportunities their friendship and love for mechanics remained. Bill's extensive career was at the Kansas Turnpike Authority as a mechanic and shop supervisor for 28 years until his retirement, and post-retirement he joined the Local 101 Union for 5 years, officially retiring from the 8-5 grind with McAnany Construction as a Master Mechanic. He had been a member of the Melvern Church of God and the American Legion Post #317 of Melvern. When he wasn't working in his home garage, Bill enjoyed shooting pool and playing cards with good friends and buddies.

On December 25, 1964, Bill was married to Carolyn Kramer. To this union four children were born, Carmen, Carla, Wade and Marcia. Bill and Carolyn were divorced in 1985. Bill later met Anita French and they have been companions for over 20 years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Mary; his two brothers, Herb Criqui, Jr and Oren Criqui; and by his four sisters, Viola Stamback, Martha Brockman, Betty Midhour and Mary Ellen Arb.

Bill is survived by his wife, Anita of the home; his four children, Carmen (Richard) Burns of Lyndon, Carla (Dave) Sloop of Lyndon, Wade (Dani) Criqui of Lyndon and Marcia (Darin) Patterson of Melvern; his twelve grandchildren, Mason (Lisa) Burns, Rylan Burns, Alexa Dorcas, Miles Kitselman, Taye Kitselman, Weslee Sloop, Kennedy (Sam) Stevens, Abby (Cael) Budke, Zach Criqui, Cody (Theresa) Patterson, Tristen Patterson and Lanie Patterson; his great-grandson, Krew Weathers; other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, May 14 at the Melvern Community Center. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until service time. Inurnment will follow at the Melvern Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions for Bill may be made to CAP (Communities, Activities and Projects for the Melvern community), sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451. Online condolences for the family may be left at feltner funeralhome.com