Bill Sellen

February 22, 1924 - June 14, 2015

William W. “Bill” Sellen, 91, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, died Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2015 at the Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home. He was born February 22, 1924 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Arthur Godfrey and Grace (Walker) Sellen. He married Elsie Jean Belden July 13, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas and she survives of the home.

Bill graduated from Washburn University and also attended the University of Wisconsin. He worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northeast Kansas as a Large Group Representative. He was a member of the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church in Wakarusa, Kansas and the Carbondale Masonic Lodge. He was a 32 degree Mason and held the Honorary Degree of K.C.C.H. From 1990 until 2012 he was Grand Lecturer and in 2013 was advanced to Grand Lecturer Emeritus. Bill was a long-time member and Past Worthy Patron of Beulah Chapter of Eastern Star in Topeka. He was on the State Advisory Board for the Masonic Home in Wichita, Kansas, and the Former Head of Allocations Committee for the United Way of Topeka. He was also a Former Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to his wife Elsie, Bill is survived by his children, Patricia Harry and husband Steve of Fort Scott, Kansas, Richard Sellen of Olathe, Kansas, Marcia Sellen and husband Richard DeVoe of Gladstone, Missouri, and Pamela Miller and husband Ross of Houston, Texas; a brother Albert Sellen of Cornell, Iowa; six grandchildren, Gary Sellen, Chris Harry, Anthony Sellen, Elisa Denning, Evan Sankey, and Amanda Sankey; and six great-grandchildren, Thomas Sellen, Piper Denning, Liam Denning, Michael Harry, Cooper Sellen, and Jason Sellen. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert Sellen.

Following cremation, Pastor Teresa Ingle will conduct memorial services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Masonic services will be held at the church, and a visitation will take place immediately following services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church or to the Carbondale Masonic Lodge and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Condolences may be emailed to [email protected].