Memorial services for William Robert (Bill) Brady, 66, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at 11 am, at Six Mile Chophouse, 4931 W 6th St. Lawrence, Kansas 66049.
William (Bill) Robert Brady passed away on Sunday, March 19, at the age of 66. Bill was born and raised in Parsons, Kansas, the only son and youngest child of William F. and Mary Brady. Bill was very fortunate to have loving parents and five terrific sisters; Rosemary, Kathy, Margaret, Mary and Alyce. His parents were education advocates, and every Brady sibling got at least one college degree thanks in part to their support.
Following college at Pittsburg State, Bill returned to Parsons and was elected to the Kansas Legislature in 1980. Bill served 10 years in the House of Representatives and six years in the Senate. His major accomplishments were issues that were most important to his constituents, such as advancements in public education finance, improvements to state employee pay and working conditions, and adopting a non-partisan closure commission to identify existing mental health and development service facilities for closure to expedite the move of clients into community settings.
Midway through his legislative career, Nancy Rogers moved to Parsons to work at the KU Bureau of Child Research and completed her Ph.D. Bill successfully convinced Nancy to make Kansas home and they married in 1988. Shortly after, Kevin (1991) and Maureen (1992) joined the family.
In 1999, Bill began a 23-year association with John Peterson and Capitol Strategies, a governmental relations business focusing on Kansas state government. Two specific issues stand as highlights of his career: Passing the 2010 clean indoor air act and serving as the lead advocate for a coalition of Kansas school districts that successfully sued the state twice in the Montoy and Gannon cases – leading to a more equitable school finance system.
Beyond his work accomplishments, Bill was the absolute best husband, dad and papa in the entire world. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Maureen, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Michelle, and granddaughter Helen. Bill is also survived by four sisters, three brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary, and son Fred.
Public service was extremely important to Bill and in addition to his elected career he served as President of the board of the Youth Crisis Shelter in Parsons, co-chair of the Labette County Hospital fundraising campaign, an appointee to the Kansas State Library and a member of the recent search committee for Pittsburg State’s president. The family suggests memorials to the Douglas County Foundation.
To Nancy, Kevin, Maureen and Helen. I was gone on an extended vacation when I got the sad news about Bill. I worked with him for many years and always found him to be so helpful, kind and genuine. I will miss him.
I have had deep respect for Bill Brady since I first met him as a new member of the Kansas Legislature
in 1982. Bill was a true public servant. He always did what he thought was best for his constituents and the people of Kansas. He was honest, smart and cared deeply about people. He had the courage do do what was right. Linda joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to Nancy, Maureen, Kevin and the entire Brady Family
Dear Nancy and family, I was so sorry to hear about Bill. I have been including all of you in my prayers. It is so hard to lose someone so suddenly and too soon. May your fond memories bring consolation and healing in time. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
I very much appreciated Bill Brady and the information he provided on a variety of issues in his capacity with Capitol Strategies. Condolences to the Brady family.
Bill was such a wonderful person. It was a pleasure to work with him. He was always willing to help find answers to any question regarding issues before the legislature. He was a role model for how to interact with folks in the Capitol and a true friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.
Bill was a TRUE public servant. He will be missed.
I truly admire Bill, the relationship, built, the conversations, in the day my daughters came with me to the Capitol, he was so gracious and kind to them. Bill was a true gentleman, and he will be missed. Prayers for Bill and his family.
Nancy, Kevin, and Maureen…please know our prayers are with you at this time. For our family, Bill was always the behind the scenes guy there with a smile and words of wisdom. We know that together (Bill and Nancy) created a dynamic duo in the support and ongoing development of others, particularly in the 3-21 educational realm. Students, teachers, and Kansas families are better because of Bill’s work and the legacy that he leaves. Prayers with you all.
So sorry-Bill was a great legislator, friend, and father-I know the world is a better place because of him. Prayers for Nancy and family. I worked to elect Bill when he served in the Legislature the very best.
As a Parsonian I knew Bill for many years and he was one of the best men I have ever known. He made our state a better state and left his mark forever in the world. My heart goes out to my good friend Nancy, to Kevin and Maureen. He will be forever missed but always in our hearts and memories. He truly was one of the good guys!!
To the Brady Family. I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I met Bill while working in the legislature as a college student in 2003. Bill was the absolute kindest person I encountered during my time in Topeka. He always had a smile and encouraging word. He was a gem
It was a privilege and honor to work with Bill Brady. His leadership along with his ability to work with Kansas lawmakers was critical to the passing of the Clean Indoor Air Act. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Many good times with Bill and his family while he was in Parsons. Prayers for Nancy, their children, and his sisters and their spouses at this time of sorrow. Til we all meet again someday.
Bill was a gem, and he will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him. He always had a smile and an encouraging word. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are extended to Bill’s entire family.
Nancy & family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was such a great guy. He just wrote the nicest message on Butch’s Tribute Wall at Carson-Wall Funeral Home. I was shocked to hear of his passing. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers.
To the Brady family, I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know you all through The Lawrence Athletic Club opening the club for many years. I always seeing Bill (and all of you). I got to know Kevin when he worked there also. I was so sorry to see that you have lost a good husband, father and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill was one of those people who smiled no matter the circumstance. Full of historical knowledge and always kind and willing to share what he knew, he will be missed. My condolences to his family, including his Capitol Strategies family. We were so fortunate to work with him and know him.
I was saddened to read of Bill’s death. When I met him he was still a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. He was always so courteous and respectful; a genuine statesman. When he became a professional lobbyist, I frequently observed him at the Statehouse. He was so very diligent. He obviously worked hard for the clients. In all those years I knew Bill he was always soft-spoken and kind to others. He will be missed by those of us who knew him.
Bill was the very best of us. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss him greatly.
I met Bill through his work at Capitol Strategies with the Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Association. Bill was an advocate for our profession and leaves behind a legacy of public service. I am saddened to hear the news of his passing and my heart goes out to his family.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He (and you, Nancy) inspired many to be better and do better. He leaves the world a better place.
Dear Nancy and Brady Family, My heart is so sad that you have lost your dear one. Your family will be in my prayers for awhile, hopefully to assist your grieving his loss. Love from cousin Sandra
Bill was a great dad who supported Kevin and Maureen in all of their endeavors and school activities. He and Nancy welcomed our son and other friends into their home many times through the HS years. We miss seeing you both and are just so very sorry about this great loss to your family. Our hearts reach out to you, Nancy, Kevin, Michelle, Maureen, and Helen during this difficult time that saddens us all. Hold onto each other. You have a beautiful family.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, although I only knew his son Kevin,he had to be a great man to raise a good person like Kevin
Bill and I were very close growing up in Parsons. He was the best man at my wedding and I was his. Bill was an outstanding friend. My condolence to Nancy and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and I were good friends in high school and his passing deeply sadens me. My prayers are with his family in this time. Please take solace in the fact that Bill just experienced the greatest and grandest moving day any of us can hope and pray for.
Bill and I were friends in high school and roommates for two years in college. He always knew what he wanted to do with his life and that was public service. Our prayers are with his family. Bill was a good man and a great friend.
I have known Bill since I was a kid – along with his sister, Kathy, and their folks. Sending comforting prayers to the family.
Bill and I crossed paths many times over the past 33 years, in Parsons, Topeka and Lawrence. He changed my life, and he changed the lives of many Kansans, all for the better. I was proud to know him. My condolences to Nancy and the rest of Bill’s family.
Bill was a well-respected legislator for the Parsons area and a good man. It was always a pleasure to work with him. My prayers are with the family.
The Brooks Family is so sad to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kevin, and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.