William "Bill" Hume

William James Hume or Bill, as he was known to family and friends, passed away Friday afternoon, July 31, 2020, with his beloved wife of 58 years by his side.

He came into this world on March 20, 1941, in Somerset, Kansas, one of four children born to William Frederick and Claribel Eugenia Bowman Hume. Billy Jim, as he was known at the time, grew up in the Rosedale community in Kansas City, Kansas, and was a graduate of Rosedale High School. He married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Julie Ann Hudgins on August 25, 1961, in Kansas City, Kansas. They had twin daughters the following year and a son three and half years later.

Bill worked for A&P grocery stores in Kansas City before taking a giant leap of faith and moving his family to the Ozarks, south of Stover. With the help of his dad, Bill transformed the old one-room Lindloff Schoolhouse into the family home. He managed the Versailles United Super grocery store and later worked for the Gates Corporation in Versailles. Bill and Julie created Hume’s Ozark Originals, combining her painting with his woodworking, and traveled to arts and crafts shows throughout the Midwest. They displayed their work at the annual Fall Crafts Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson for more than 25 years. They spent many hours together in their studio and workshop and loved sharing the beauty of the Ozarks through their artwork.

Bill loved the outdoors, especially the family property on Little Buffalo Creek with its wooded hills and valleys and sparkling streams. He enjoyed tending to his flower beds – iris were his specialty – and his water gardens filled with water lilies and other beautiful blooms.

He was known for the twinkle in his eye and the smell of his pipe tobacco. He treasured the time he spent with his family – his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes with his family and kayaking with Julie. He shared many special interests, including gardening, sports, genealogy, music and his love of nature, with family members.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his wife, Julie of the home; his children and their spouses, Liz and Jim Coleman of Jefferson City, Lisa and Jeff Lutman of Versailles, and William E. “Bill” and Julie Hume of Overland Park, Kansas; his grandchildren, Jessica Reese and husband Mike of Lake Ozark, Bryan Haile of Springfield, Cadence Lutman of Versailles, Matt Sharp of Jefferson City, Lauren Hicks and husband Lance of Springfield, Mark Sharp of Lee’s Summit, Ben Hume of Overland Park, Kansas, and Rosemary Hume of Overland Park, Kansas; and his great grandchildren, Tia and Jackson Reese of Lake Ozark. Bill is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Barbara and Tom Scott of San Juan Capistrano, California; Mary and John Champion of Petronila, Texas; and Gary and Debbie Hume of Columbia, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jean Hume.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated. A private memorial will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Stover Animal Rescue.

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