William Bruce

William Henry Bruce, surrounded by his loving family, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, MO.

William was born June 10, 1939 to James Henry and Myrtle Mae (Thompson) Bruce in Gooches Mill, Cooper County, MO.  At the age of 12, William was baptized in a creek by Rev. Nelson Coleman and became a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  He later became a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO under the former leadership of Rev. Mac Charles Jones, continuing with present day leadership of Rev. Eric D. Belt.

William’s favorite hymn was “Walk In The Light”.

William attended the historic Sumner School in Boonville, MO. After segregation, he continued his education, at Prairie Home High School.  He also worked at Kemper Military School in Boonville, MO.

William Henry met his soul mate and the love of his life, Erma Adell Freeman. They were united in marriage on October 27, 1956. In this union, they became proud parents of five sons and one daughter. William decided to move his young family to Kansas City, MO where he obtained employment with General Motors. He was employed with the GM family from August 18, 1967 until his retirement on August 24, 1986.

William’s desire for his family to see the world was great.  He took them on many memorable vacations including driving to the state of California. As a young man, William loved to fish, especially with his mother. They would sit on the riverbanks for hours until they caught a “mess of fish!”  He continued this tradition with his own children and grandchildren.

William is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Erma Adell, his loving children, William Keith Bruce, Ward Kevin (Denise) Bruce, Wade Keenan (Roxanne) Bruce, Willa Kalisse (Travis) Bruce-Hayes, Warren Kent (Trina) Bruce and Wendell Kendrick (Sherry) Bruce.  He also leaves his grandchildren to cherish his memory, Weylin Bruce, Byron Bruce, Braylon Johnson, Elona Hayes, Brittany Odom, Bryson Bruce, Melissa Nelson, Morgane Freeman, Victoria Bruce, Candace Bruce, Melanie Bruce and six great grandchildren.

Also, cherishing his memory are his siblings, Frank (Sadie) Bruce, Kenneth (Rebecca) Bruce, Mildred (James) Shipley, Helen Fisher and Cherry (Ezell) Parks. His sister-in-laws, Willa Jones, Nellie Sims, Elaine Freeman, Cynthia Grant, Margaret K. Poindexter, and Alesia Poindexter.  His brother-in-laws, Ray Lee (Julie) Freeman, Ronnie Freeman and Eursey J. (Donna) Poindexter. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, sister, brother, nephew & niece: Louella Williams, James Bruce, Robert Bruce and Samantha Butler. We find comfort and peace in knowing that they once again will be united.

Services will be available to watch via the Longview Funeral Home Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/longviewfuneralhome/