William Mckenzie

On the Marine Corps 242nd birthday, Nov 10,2018, one of their own left us. His name is William R. "Bill" McKenzie. He was a good man with a good heart. He was one hell of a Marine, serving in the fabled 1st Battalion, 9th Marines," The Walking Dead" in Viet Nam. He carried the scars of those experiences with honor, never forgetting his brothers, past and present.
He was 68 years old and died with his wife, Carla, at his side. He was born in Kearney NJ, July 26,1950 to William and Elizabeth McKenzie. He grew up in a loving extended family of grandparents, his mother, and brother, 28 cousins, numerous aunt and uncles and lifelong friends. He loved hunting in the Meadowlands, fishing, sliding the hills of Kearny in winter, fish and chips, and pork roll. He also began his lifelong love of motorcycles as a teenager in Kearny.
He joined the Marine Corp right out of high school, beginning his career at Paris Island, SC. He came full circle after traveling the world, ending his career of 11 years of service at Marine Corps Air Station, in Beaufort.
Leaving the Corp, he worked at Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah GA in their avionics division. He then returned to his original love of motorcycles, mastering the repair of Harley Davidsons, but he
remained the "guru" of the older pre-computer chip Harleys. He continued to work locally until he retired due to health concerns.
Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carla, his mother, Elizabeth Elsmore of Kearny, NJ,
his brother, Glenn McKenzie and wife, Judy, of Blairstown NJ.
He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends, brothers in arms, biker brothers, and his beloved "boys" from Cherryvale EMS.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Cherryvale EMS, 116 S. Neosho St. Cherryvale, KS. 67335 or to AWOL Animal Rescue, 116 S 23rd St Independence KS 67301 or can be left with the funeral home. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00am. Online condolences may be left to the family by visiting www.pottsfuneralhome.com.

Service

Celebration of Life

Potts Chapel
122 South Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Saturday, November 17, 2018
11:00 AM

Memorial Contributions

Cherryvale EMS
116 S. Neosho St
Cherryvale, KS  67335

AWOL
116 S. 23rd
Independence, KS  67301