William "Billy" C. Schlegel, 56, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House.
He was born September 30, 1969, in Fairfield. He moved to Kansas City in 1972 and made his home there. He graduated from Maranatha Christian Academy and later attended college at UMKC in Kansas City.
Billy worked as a self-employed painter and home-remodeler. For years had contributed to the care of his half-brother, Joshua Birch, who is on the autism spectrum. He frequently text Joshua about sports and current events in Kansas City--including Chiefs games and other sports-related news.
Billy enjoyed playing frisbee. He had an amazing talent for the game and was even asked to join a professional frisbee team. He listened to sports talk radio and AM talk radio, including the late Art bell as well as others. He liked home cooking, especially mashed potatoes and gravy, roasts, and home baked goods. He had strong attachments to his special pet cats over the years, including Gray Kitty and Tang, who preceded him in death. He leaves behind Cali, a very sweet cat who likes to reach out and touch your arm with her paw, and Duke, his second orange cat, who has a talent for evading being caught.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Birch of Burlington, and Kansas City, MO; his father and step-mother, Dr. William and Janet Schlegel Janet of Jefferson City, MO; younger brother, Paul Schlegel of Santa Clara, CA; and half-brother, Joshua Birch of Kansas City, MO.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Schlegel will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Aspen Grove Cemetery with Pastor Gary Van Nyhuis officiating. Billy will be buried next to his grandmother, Genevieve Swan, who was actively involved in his life.
A memorial has been established for Maranatha Christian Academy, Shawnee, KS to go towards their tuition scholarship fund.