Willam (Bill) Maher

William Phillip “Bill” Maher, 87, of Kansas City, KS, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at home. On Saturday, January 25, 2025, visitation will be from 9:00—10:00 a.m., with funeral mass at 10:00a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 North 53rd St., Kansas City, Ks. Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Christ the King Catholic Church or Keeler Women's Center, 759 Vermont Avenue, STE 100-B, Kansas City, Ks 66101. Bill was born in Kansas City (Armourdale), Ks,on September 12, 1937 to Michael and Helen (Sheehy) Maher. He attended St. Thomas parish elementary school, Bishop Ward High School and entered Conception Seminary, Conception, Mo. to study for the priesthood.                                                                                                                                                                                                           He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kansas in Kansas in May of 1962 and served in his ministry until May of 1992. During his 30 years of ministry, he served in various pastorates in Kansas City, Topeka, Leavenworth and other archdiocesan parishes. To be of of greater service in his ministry, he furthered his education and received master's degrees from University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 1967 (Social Studies), and Loyola University, Chicago, 1971 (Religious Education).                                                                                                                         He served as Director of Religious Education for the archdiocese from 1971—1981; and, was Editor of The Leaven, the weekly archdiocesan newspaper, from 1979—1989. In 1992, Bill requested and was granted Leave to prayerfully discern his active ministry as a priest. After this prayerful discernment, Bill made the request of his Archbishop to be relieved of active priestly ministry, which he was formally granted in 1995. Following his request to leave active ministry,      Bill worked as the Director of the Rockhurst University South Kansas City Campus for 13 years, taking up, again, a vocation of service to others, and retired in December of 2005. In 1996,                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Bill married Bernardine Gilliford and they enjoyed 28 years together, as they supported one another in their service to Christ the King Parish. Bill served on the Evangelization committee from 2008—2011, and was elected to the pastoral council and served from 2015—2018. In his continued love for the Eucharist, he was dedicated to attending daily mass as often as weather and health permitted and endeavored to perform many works of mercy of attending as many parishioners funerals as he was able. In his spare time, he read, worked crossword puzzles and was an avid KU Jayhawk basketball fan, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football fan, and, of course, a Chiefs fan.                                                                         Bill had an infectious smile and laugh. He enjoyed his boisterous Irish family gatherings and the lively discussions that were a part of every family event. He was proud of his 100% Irish heritage and spoke fondly of his growing up years in Armourdale with his four brothers in a neighborhood that boasted a variety of heritages.             Bill is predeceased by his parents and his brothers and sisters-in-law, John Pat (Jean), Michael (Laura), Francis and Tom Maher. He is survived by his wife, Bernardine, of the home, seven step-children, Paul Jr. (Amber), Pat (Eiko), Monica (Bob) Major, Peter, Chris, Vincent and Thomas (Brenda) Gilliford; sisters-in-law, Loretta Maher and Harriet Maher; and, numerous beloved, and, loving nephews and nieces.                                                                                                                                                                   May he have the reward of his labors and rest in the peace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus. d'fhéadfá Dia a shealbhú i bpilmeán a láimh May God hold you in the palm of His hand .