William Walter Gibbs IV

William Walter Gibbs IV, born on May 27, 1967, in Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his hometown on August 30, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and friend, William will be remembered for his vibrant personality, generous spirit, and unwavering faith.

William pursued a successful career as a Financial Planner, specializing in Medicare and Medicaid, where he worked with American Senior Benefits. He was deeply committed to helping others navigate their financial journeys, ensuring that his clients received the care and attention they deserved.

He graduated from Goddard High School in 1985, where he was not only a talented football player but also an active participant in choir, plays, and the spirit squad. He attended Kansas University, and remained a fervent supporter of the Jayhawks, demonstrating the loyalty and enthusiasm that characterized much of his life.

William's radiant personality and infectious humor made him the life of every gathering. He was known for his big smile and loud laugh, always eager to share in joyous moments. He had a burning passion for Jesus Christ, striving to embody the values of compassion and kindness. William put God first, his wife second, and prioritized family and relationships as central to his life philosophy. His love for others was evident as he was always nice to everyone he met, making it easy for people to connect with him.

His hobbies were as vibrant as his personality. He loved going to estate sales, where he enjoyed the thrill of finding great deals, including his favorite pair of colorful pants. William collected various hats, from baseball caps to bucket hats, and took immense pleasure in playing golf with friends and family. He was especially proud of his achievements in the Means Cornhole Tournament and enjoyed spirited golfing competitions. William was a loyal fan of the KU Jayhawks, Dallas Cowboys, WSU Shockers, and KC Chiefs, cheering passionately for all his teams.

He cherished his family and was especially devoted to his wife, Heather. Together, they created countless memories, whether through shared adventures or simply enjoying time at home. William deeply loved his sons: William, Nathan, and Nicholas, and he took great joy in spending quality time with them, whether it was golfing or sharing a meal. He enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Micah, watching him learn to play golf and swim. 

William also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring his sister's delicious blueberry pie, cooking on the grill, and relaxing while admiring the majestic mountains of Colorado, regardless of the season. He found happiness in engaging conversations outside the swimming pool, light-heartedly reminding friends, "Sorry, I didn’t recognize you with clothes on."

He was a man of many accomplishments, including his contributions to Central Community Church, where he sang in the choir and volunteered for various charitable efforts, such as distributing turkeys during the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. William dedicated his time to serving others through his involvement with organizations like Union Rescue Mission, Wichita Children's Home, Embrace, Mulvane Senior Center, Youth Horizons, and Botanica.

William is survived by his loving wife, Heather; his sons, William (Alley), Nathan (Ashleigh), and Nicholas (Whitney Means); his grandson, Micah; his granddaughter-to-be, Grace; his stepfather, Don Gribble; and his siblings, David Gibbs, Angela Gibbs-Scanlon (John), Stuart Gribble, Robbin Mcleod (Grant), Don Gribble (Rhonda), Mike Tracy (Lori), and Doug Tracy. He also leaves behind his brother-in-laws, Michael Angell and Brian Hamilton (Sarah), his in-laws, Frank and Martha Fair and Deanna Bruce, as well as many extended family members, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who he considered family.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William Harry Gibbs and Terrill Gribble; his grandparents, Walter and Margaret Pannell; his step-mother, Liz Gibbs, his sister, Meghan Gibbs Angell, his brother, Steve Tracy, his father-in-law, Robert Bruce, and many close friends and family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on September 11, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Central Community Church.

Memorials have been established with Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209 and Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. 

William Walter Gibbs IV was truly one of a kind, making indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew him. His zeal for life and love for others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to be part of his journey.

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