Billy Dean Council, Jr.

Billy Dean Council, Jr., 65, of rural Westmoreland, Kansas, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his home.  He was a lifelong resident of the area.

Bill was born August 16, 1958, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Billy Council, Sr. and Shirley (Sherley) Council.  He served in the United States Army for seven years and earned a rank of Specialist.  He was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA and Hanau, Germany.  He worked as a diesel mechanic.

Most of his working career, Bill operated heavy equipment.  He worked for Shilling Construction in Manhattan for nineteen years until an injury forced him to no longer be able to work.  He also worked as a security guard for C-6 Security Agency in Manhattan that was owned and operated by his father until his death in 1996.  He took great pride in all his jobs and made many lifelong friends over the years.  

Bill enjoyed raising horses, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and UFO spotting.  He loved all his animals especially his inside dogs; Buddy, Bailey, and Lilly.  He loved old westerns and “The Andy Griffith Show”.  He was an avid fan of John Wayne.  But his passion was the time he could spend with his family, especially his grandson, Parker.

Bill married Patricia Ann Zabel on April 18, 1986, in Manhattan.  After thirty-eight years, sharing their lives together, Patty survives him at their home.

Bill is also survived by his daughter, Christina Needham (Heath), Manhattan, and his grandson, Parker; his siblings, Bob Ziegenbalg, Saarbrucken, Germany and Sheryl Kuhl, Manhattan; his brother and sister in-laws, Michael Zabel (Kelda), Wamego, and Tammie Salsbury (Michael), Manhattan, his Aunt Sharon Sherley, Manhattan, and his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bruce Council and Shannon Council.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, May 31, 2024, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.  He will lie-in-state beginning at 3:00 pm.  The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.campanellastewart.com.