William “Bill” Thrailkill…September 5, 1940 – December 13, 2018

Memorial Services for former Lamar, CO resident William “Bill” Thrailkill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Lamar, CO. Per Bill’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no public visitation. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

William Claude Thrailkill affectionately known to most as Bill, was born September 5, 1940 to James B. and Lorene (Walker) Thrailkill in Colorado Springs, CO. He passed away on December 13, 2018 at the Bent County Nursing Care Center in Las Animas, CO at the age of 78.

Bill served in the United States Navy from 1958 until 1962. It was during this time that Bill met his future wife.  Bill was united in marriage to Jean Gauger on June 15, 1962 in Bremerton, WA.  To this union they had three children; Lori, Valerie, and Vincent.  He moved to Granada to establish B&B Land Surveying.  He then went to work as a surveyor for the City of Lamar.  Bill retired as the Director of Public Works for the City of Lamar.   Bill stayed busy as a 4-H leader for many years.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Lions Club, was an Eagle Scout, and a director for the Arbor Day Foundation.   Bill also served on the Wiley School Board and was the manager of the airport and board member.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean of La Junta, CO; daughters, Lori (Dave) Parker of Lamar, CO, Valerie (John) Switzer of Fountain, CO; son, Vincent Thrailkill of Oak Harbor, WA; sister, Gladys Dunbar of Sepulpa, OK; brothers, Charles Thrailkill of Canon City, CO, James Thrailkill of Littleton, CO, Robert Thrailkill of Overgaard, AZ, Kenneth (Sue) Thrailkill of Knoxville, IA; six grandchildren, Adam Parker, Audrey Parker, Olivia Thrailkill, Claude Thrailkill, Mandy (Jordan) Switzer-Randles and Jonathan Switzer; two great-grandchildren, Maci Randles and Marley Randles; many nieces, nephews, others relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara Bettger; and brothers-in-law, Vaughn Dunbar and Ron Bettger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lamar Area Hospice or United Methodist Church Women in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, CO. 81052.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.