Ronald William “Bill” Rackley, 61, of New Franklin passed away December 29, 2022 at Boone Hospital Center.
Bill was born in St. Louis on September 25, 1961 a son of Ronald Eugene and Joan Rosenkoetter Rackley. Bill was a 1979 graduate of New Franklin High School. He married Kelly Ann Pihana on August 18, 1980 at the New Franklin United Methodist Church.
Bill spent much of his life as a mechanic, but also worked in construction, tool repair, as owner and operator of Ron’s Saw Service and was currently employed as New Franklin City Services Manager. Bill enjoyed fixing and repairing equipment and small engines. When he became interested in something he immersed himself in it, whether it was car restoration, growing and propagating orchids, fresh and saltwater aquariums, trout fishing, gardening, racing four wheelers, motorcycle riding, making wine, smoking and barbequing meats, canning and coin collecting were just a few of his favorite hobbies. He also liked watching Mizzou men’s basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and NASCAR. Mondays were reserved for Antiques Roadshow.
He was a member of the New Franklin Lions Club, Central Missouri Orchid Society, Missouri Freedom of the Road Riders and the South Howard County Historical Society.
Bill was a wonderful husband, father, dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin, Lion and friend. He took care of his family and community and was proud to serve both. He loved nature and animals especially the family pets including, Keoni, Boogie, Nutmeg, Madmartigan, Pig, Ruby, Murphy and Curie.
Bill’s memory is cherished by his wife, Kelly Pihana Rackley; his daughter, Anthea Kekoa Rackley (Noah Baumgartner); his mother, Joan Rackley; his brother, Robert Alan (Bobby) Rackley and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald E. Rackley; maternal grandparents, Hazel Blatz and Norman Rosenkoetter and paternal grandparents, Ruth and Willie Rackley.
Visitation for Bill will be held Saturday January7, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin. Services celebrating and honoring Bill’s life will follow at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. After the service friends and family are invited to a meal at the New Franklin Park Community Building.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rackley family to help with medical expenses or to New Franklin Lions Club.
Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.