William "Bill" Asher

William "Bill" Lee Asher, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, at Moran Manor in Moran, Kansas.

Bill was born in Picher, Oklahoma, to John and Tressie (Caffey) Asher. After grade school, his family moved to Carl Junction, Missouri, where he graduated from Carl Junction High School. He began his professional career with the Carl Junction Standard newspaper, and later relocated to Maryville, Missouri, where he worked as a pressman. Bill then moved to Chanute, Kansas, where he continued his work as a pressman with The Chanute Tribune.

In 1955, Bill enlisted in the United States National Guard. He proudly served with the 891st Engineer Battalion based in Chanute, Kansas, and dedicated many years to his military service before retiring as a Staff Sergeant in 1990.

In 1961, Bill married Cecilia Potter, and together they had one son, William "Lee" Asher, Jr. After their divorce, he married Nancy Saving, and they later divorced as well. Bill eventually found his soulmate in Diana (Stohs) Norman, and they built a life together in Iola, Kansas.

Following his marriage to Diana, and before fully retiring, Bill worked as a pressman at the Iola Register, then as a pole wrapper at Gates Rubber Company. He also served as a seasonal mower with Allen County Public Works, and later worked as the maintenance man at Moran Manor for a short time.

After his final retirement, Bill devoted himself to the things he loved most; mowing, working on small engines, repairing bicycles, riding his motorcycle, and watching his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He became known around Iola as "the bike guy," because he generously gave back to the community by repairing bicycles for local programs, including THRIVE and SAFE BASE, helping ensure local kids had safe bikes to ride.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, John Asher; his mother, Tressie (Caffey) Asher; his sister, Gloria Asher; his older half-sister, Betty Jean Oldridge; his former wives, Cecilia Potter and Nancy Saving; and his daughter-in-law, Connie Asher.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diana (Stohs) Asher; his son, William "Lee" Asher, Jr. (Cheryl); stepdaughter, Michele (Chris) Knight; and stepson, Michael (Andrea) Norman. He was a proud grandfather to Heather Asher, Andrew (Katherine) Asher, step-grandsons, CJ Knight and Isaac Norman, and step-granddaughters, Ashley Knight and Lexi Knight. Bill was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Bill will be remembered for his quiet strength, mechanical talent, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family and community.

Per his wishes, no service will be held.