William "Willie" Thomas Spurling

William “Willie” Thomas Spurling passed away at home on Sunday November 1, 2026. He was born on September 14, 1927, in Foxtown, Kansas.

Willie spent much of his working life with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, known as "Silly Willie," retiring after 43 years of service. Over the years, he worked in the round house in Chanute, served as a carman’s helper in Wichita, and finished his railroad career as a sandblaster in Topeka. His long years of work reflected steady dedication and pride in doing his job well.

Outside of work, Willie loved to fish and hunt. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed life. Those simple pleasures meant a great deal to him. 

Wille married Carol Hardman, on June 12, 1999, in Fredonia Kansas. 

He is survived by his wife, Carol Spurling, of the home; his stepdaughter, Amanda Hall of Topeka, Kansas; his brother, Floyd Spurling of Wichita, Kansas; and his sister, Edna Hale of Chanute, Kansas. 

Willie is also survived by his best bud...his dog Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Young; his son, Joseph Thomas Spurling; his grandson, Carl Thomas Spurling; his father, Karl “Sam” Spurling; his mother, Verfie Reeve; his sisters, Shirley Miller, Katherine Eccher, Georgie Wickwire, and Alice Hedges; and his brothers, Kenneth Spurling and David Spurling.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday November 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Earlton Cemetery, Earlton Cemetery Road, Earlton, Kansas 66720.

Willie will be remembered for his years of hard work, his love of the outdoors, and the enjoyment he found in life. 

Memorial remembrances to the Fredonia Food Bank may be mailed or left at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 510 N. 7th Street, Fredonia Kansas 66736.