Bill Glace

William “Bill” Glace, age 74, of Sabetha, Kansas went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Bill drew his last breath shortly after hearing the sounds of his loving family singing his favorite praise songs and sharing cherished memories, with a mixture of tears and laughter and sorrow.

Bill was born December 12, 1946 in Clay Center, Kansas the son of Warren and Marie (Oetinger) Glace. He graduated from Bern High School in Bern, Kansas and later from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Education. Shortly after college he married the love of his life, Janie Hightower, on April 13, 1968. With teaching degrees in hand, Bill and Janie were offered contracts to teach in Beloit, Kansas and they were also invited at the same time to participate with Dr. Mellon to participate in humanitarian efforts and community development in Haiti by serving alongside Dr. Mellon at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital. With only one weekend to decide, Bill and Janie chose Haiti and their life in international service began. In 1978, Bill and Janie sold their farm and ventured into the mission field in Haiti with OMS. Bill’s mission was to forge a road through 22 miles of mountain terrain. For the next four years Bill and visiting teams would operate a bulldozer, backhoe and road grader to aid the Haitian people who needed a way to receive medical supplies and transport goods to sell at local markets. For weeks at a time Bill would immerse himself into the Haitian culture to learn the language and customs. The Glace family came to love those whom they came to serve. They returned to the Sabetha area in 1982, but Bill’s heart remained in Haiti for his entire life.

After the devastating earthquake in 2010, he mobilized and led 26 different teams to serve with Men’s for Mission and OMS with the Homes for Haiti project. Among the many on the teams were his wife, children, sons-in-laws and grandchildren. Bill also as a leader with OMS, Men’s for Missions and Mercy, Inc. Just before being hospitalized Bill was set to lead a team to Louisiana to rebuild hurricane damaged homes. His heart was to serve and he served his entire life. At home he worked as a farmer and a bulldozer operator. His passion was for the land its potential for bearing fruit and how to best conserve the soil.

Bill was a faithful leader at NorthRidge Church where he was involved in missions, small groups, teaching Sunday School and serving as a greeter. He loved spending time with his grandkids on the farm and on the mission field. He fashioned a country homestead where his large family could gather together and enjoy the outdoors. His grandchildren loved riding go-carts, jumping hay bales, riding paddleboats in the pond, always followed by cookouts with hotdogs and s’mores over the open fire.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janie, of over 53 years; three daughters, Gina (Jeff) Walton of Olathe, Kansas, Kim (Wayne) Krause of Olathe, Kansas, and Shelly (Jesse) Herrmann of Andover, Kansas; a son, Benjamin (Emily) Glace of Sabetha; two sisters, Warrene Stadler of Silver Lake, Kansas and Ardis Glace of Palm Springs, California; a brother, Bob Glace of Cedar Falls, Iowa; 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Bill served as an example to so many as a “man on mission.”