Barbara and Menelaos “Bill” Syrios

In Loving Memory of Barbara and Menelaos “Bill” Syrios

Together in Life, Reunited in Eternity

Barbara Hamilton Syrios (born August 20, 1928) passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. Two weeks later, on May 30, 2025, her beloved husband of nearly 73 years, Menelaos William “Bill” Syrios (born December 23, 1928) joined her.

Barbara was born and raised in Pratt, Kansas. She attended Wooster College in Ohio, where she met Bill who was born and raised in Wooster, Ohio. Bill’s parents were first generation Greeks and the only Greek family in town. They married on June 19, 1952, and were just weeks shy of celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary.

After starting their family, Bill and Barbara settled in Wichita, Kansas, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Barbara was an elementary school teacher in her early years, dedicating herself to nurturing young minds. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, before graduating from Akron Law School. Bill then became a respected malpractice and personal injury attorney in Wichita. His son youngest Jeff practiced with him for nearly 20 years before he took the bench in 2008. Bill continued practicing law until his retirement on November 30, 2018.

Bill and Barbara left an outsized legacy. They became committed Christians in the late 1960’s when the Jesus Movement took hold of their small Presbyterian church in Wichita. Their faith in God’s grace and provision became a lifelong foundation for their family and a lasting testament of redemption through Christ to their local community. Though their passing leaves a deep ache, their legacy of faith, hope, and love provides ongoing testimony to the following generations.

Bill and Barbara are survived by their three children: Bill (Teresa) Syrios of Eugene, Oregon, Melinda (Brian) Eckeberger of Plano, Texas, and Jeff (Susan) Syrios of Wichita, Kansas.

Bill and Barbara were blessed with ten grandsons: Luke Syrios of Portland, Oregon, Andrew (Soudeh) Syrios and Phillip (Megan) Syrios of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mark Syrios of Eugene, Oregon, Bryce (Ashley) Eckeberger of Flower Mound, Texas, Cole (Danielle) Eckeberger of Celina, Texas, Jake Eckeberger of Little Elm, Texas, Justin (Emily) Syrios of Wichita, Kansas; Connor Syrios of Brooklyn, New York; and Zach (Mourghan) Syrios of Madrid, Spain.

Bill and Barbara were also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Azalea, Everleigh, Adeline, Cohen, Finley, Truman, Hallie, Graham, Clark, and one on the way. 

Bill and Barbara’s Christian faith and generational legacy was steadfast, and they are now reunited in the presence of their Creator and Redeemer. A private, joint memorial and celebration will be held on September 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or contributions can be made to Grace First Church, His Helping Hands, Union Rescue Mission, or Choices Medical Clinic, all in Wichita Kansas.