Ronald William “Bill” Rackley, 61, of New Franklin, passed away on December 29, 2022, at Boone Hospital Center.

Bill was born in St. Louis on September 25, 1961, a son of Ronald Eugene and Joan Rosenkoetter Rackley. Bill was a 1979 graduate of New Franklin High School. He married Kelly Ann Pihana on August 18, 1980, at the New Franklin United Methodist Church.

Bill spent much of his life as a mechanic, but also worked in construction, tool repair, as owner and operator of Ron’s Saw Service, and was currently employed as New Franklin City Services Manager. Bill enjoyed fixing and repairing equipment and small engines. When he became interested in something, he immersed himself in it. Car restoration, growing and propagating orchids, fresh and saltwater aquariums, trout fishing, gardening, racing four-wheelers, motorcycle riding, making wine, smoking and barbequing meats, canning and coin collecting were just a few of his favorite hobbies. He also liked watching Mizzou men’s basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs, and NASCAR. Mondays were reserved for Antiques Roadshow.

He was a member of the New Franklin Lions Club, Central Missouri Orchid Society, Missouri Freedom of the Road Riders, and the South Howard County Historical Society.

Bill was a wonderful husband, father, dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin, Lion, and friend. He took care of his family and community and was proud to serve both. He loved nature and animals, especially the family pets, including, Keoni, Boogie, Nutmeg, Madmartigan, Pig, Ruby, Murphy, and Curie.

Bill’s memory is cherished by his wife, Kelly Pihana Rackley; his daughter, Anthea Kekoa Rackley (Noah Baumgartner); his mother, Joan Rackley; his brother, Robert Alan (Bobby) Rackley, and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald E. Rackley; maternal grandparents, Hazel Blatz and Norman Rosenkoetter; and paternal grandparents, Ruth and Willie Rackley.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin. Services celebrating and honoring Bill’s life will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. After the service, friends and family are invited to a meal at the New Franklin Park Community Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rackley family to help with medical expenses or to New Franklin Lions Club.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.

Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin is honored to serve the family.