William C. “Bill” Norwood, 65, of Big Springs, KS, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 15, 2015. He was born on December 4, 1949 in Lawrence, KS, the son of William J. and Irene (Rainbolt) Norwood.

Bill spent his entire life living on farms in Douglas County. He graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1967. He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. after 37 years of service.

Bill married Carolyn K. Freed on August 21, 1976 at the Tecumseh United Methodist Church in Tecumseh, KS. Bill enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren, drag racing, his cattle, his tractor, old flicks including Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and especially just being outdoors. He had many health challenges the last 11 years and met all with resignation and still enjoyed his family, his animals, his water walking, TV, old movies and especially enjoyed being able to run his tractor again.

Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents. Survivors include his sons, Jamie (Erin), William (Nicole), daughter Amanda Norwood (Grant), sisters Peggy (Steve) Cregut, Tecumseh, Vicky Norwood, Tucson, AZ, Kathy (Terry) Falck, Topeka, Lori Norwood, Toney, AL, and seven grandchildren, Madison, Allison, McKenzie, Mason, Tristan, Taylor, and Bailey, and Willa Norwood, step-mother of Tecumseh.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Big Springs United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Dover Cemetery. Bill will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Big Springs United Methodist Church, 96 US Highway 40, Lecompton, KS 66050.