Bill Poovey

Billy Max Poovey, age 73, of Westphalia, Kansas, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at his home on the farm after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer.

Bill was born on February 12, 1953 in Garnett, Kansas , the son of Waldo Poovey and Ethel (Green) Poovey. Bill grew up on the family farm, surrounded by wheat fields, gravel roads and Shorthorn cattle, along with his brothers Dick and Jerry Poovey. (Sadly, Jerry died of a heart condition at the age of 7.) Bill attended grade school in Westphalia, and Jr.High and High School in Garnett. He was a member of the Cherry Mound 4-H Club near Westphalia from ages 7-18; his favorite project was the Shorthorns raised on Poovey's Pleasant Acres. In high school, Bill was active in the Garnett High School FFA chapter. According to Bill, he also warmed the bench for the basketball team as a freshman. He graduated from GHS in 1971 and attended Kansas State University. While at KSU, he worked at the Beef Barn on campus and was a member of the KSU Livestock Judging Team, helping earn 1st Place at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, CO during his senior year. Trips to the America Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City were also a highlight for the team. Bill's love for all things purple... football and basketball, tailgating and keeping contact with college classmates and professors was important. One of Bill's final requests was to find his favorite purple cap and T-shirt to wear one last time. EMAW!!

Bill married LaRita Croucher on July 8, 1973, in Garnett, Kansas. He continued his education at K-State and graduated with a degree in Animal Science in 1975. Upon his return to the Westphalia area, he worked with father-in-law Sam Croucher for several years and with Gene Raymond, a cattleman from Garnett for a few more years. Bill and Rita then established a grain and livestock farm, known as Poovey's Prairie Acres, and began their own adventure raising a herd of registered Maine-Anjou cattle. In the late 1980's, Bill was offered an opportunity to start a career with the U.S. Postal Service in the Garnett, Westphalia area. Rita took over management of the farm and cattle herd while Bill, beginning as a substitute mail carrier, worked his way to a full-time Carrier for the remainder of his career. He officially retired in May of 2026 after 36 years of dedicated service.

Through the years, Bill was very active as a member of the Anderson Co. Fair Board, serving as President for several terms. His favorite time was summer and getting ready for the County Fair and all the activities leading up to fair time. Rita was sure that Bill lived part time at the Livestock Barns and Arena in July and August! As part of the Westphalia community, he was a long-time member of the Rural Water District #1 Board and the Westphalia Lions Club. Every December, Bill Poovey was otherwise known as Santa Claus. For many years he made an appearance at the Westphalia School Christmas Program. Countless children have received bags of candy and a chance for a photo with Santa. You never quite knew who might get a surprise appearance on Christmas Eve. Bill's love for family, friends, neighbors, and community was evident in the many ways he shared his time and talents.

Bill is survived by his wife Rita, Westphalia, brother Dick Poovey, Paxico, brother-in-law Mike Croucher, Westphalia, Sisters-in-law Rena LaRue, Lindsborg, and Nancy Croucher, Emporia, nephews, Travis Poovey, Paxico, Clint Croucher, Paola, Justin LaRue, Council Grove, and nieces Delane Janssen, Geneseo, Kelly Gellhaus, Overland Park, Jessica Loveland, Wilson, and numerous great nieces and nephews, as well as the family dogs Rope and Tye. He was preceded in death by parents Waldo and Ethel Poovey, In-laws Sam and Norma Croucher, brother Jerry Poovey, sister-in-law Marilyn Poovey and brother-in-law Joe LaRue.

Cremation was chosen and A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on June 6, 2026, at Anderson County Fairgrounds at the show arena. Bill's family will greet friends prior to the service at 2:00 P.M. at the fairgrounds arena. A meal will follow the service in the arena area, the family suggests bringing your lawn chair.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Anderson Co. Fair Assn. and Anderson Co. 4-H Council (scholarship fund). Contributions may be sent to Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 219 S. Oak St, Box 408, Garnett, KS 66032