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- William "Bill" Earl Phelps Obituary
William Earl Phelps of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, died November 20, 2024 after a long and courageous battle to recover from a stroke in May 2023.
Bill was born on January 31, 1958 to Robert and Anita Phelps (Sauvageau) in Niagara Falls, NY. He was a devoted son, father, husband, brother, uncle, friend, and a genuine good soul.
Bill attended schools in Niagara Falls and was broadly known for his artistic skills. His college career began at Upper Iowa University where his role as the football team photographer became an extension of his love for the arts and the sport. Bill went on to receive his Bachelors of Arts degree from Niagara University’s College of Education.
Bill moved to Missouri with his long-time friend now wife, Barbara LaBar in 1998 and made their home in Sunrise Beach. They are proud parents of John Robert.
If you knew Bill, you knew of his insatiable thirst for knowledge and sharing that knowledge. There was no such thing as a short conversation with Bill. One of his many cousins, Denise, says he was a very funny, talented, intelligent, and persevering person who advocated for justice and equality in a passionate way that was strong and honest. Child hood memories paint him as a quiet force of goodness and fun. When friends visited his college apartment, they were greeted by a made to scale paper mâché Hobbit Bilbo Baggins! Later in life Bill chose to see the United States by delivering RVs. He dined with the locals at their favorite spots, visited with his many relatives and found opportunities to be a Good Samaritan at each stop. His son John spent an entire summer with Bill on these delivery routes and created many memories to cherish. When the Boy Scout pack needed a leader, Bill embraced that role and more father son memories were created. Absolutely anytime someone needed any type of assistance, Bill was there without hesitation.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara, son, John Robert, and step son, Barry, brother Michael (Kim), sister Kathy (Sean), Aunt Anne Sauvageau and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Bob and Anita, brothers, Gary and Timothy and Uncles Rene and Ivan Sauvageau.
Flowers are respectfully declined. There will be no prior visitation. Bill’s final resting place will be at the Gate of Heavan Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
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1958 - 2024 (66 years)