William “Bill” Raybern, age 78, of Worthington, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021, at Monroe County Hospital.  He was born in Lawrence, KS on February 14, 1943, the son of Joseph Sr and Margaret (Severns) Raybern.

Bill was a graduate of LeCompton High School.  He enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.  He married the love of his life, Dixie (Waggoner) Raybern in 1968 and they moved from Kansas to Orlando, FL in 1970 where he began his 33-year career as a professional firefighter for the Conway Fire Department and Orange County Fire and Rescue, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant.  He retired in 2003 and he and Dixie moved to Indiana to be near their children.

Bill was a member of the Worthington Assembly of God church.  He enjoyed tending to his cattle and farm, taking drives with his four-legged “Best Friend”, Jake, and being outdoors, but what he loved the most was spending time with his family. He was “dad” and “papa” to so many who loved him for he never met a stranger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dixie of Worthington; daughter Rhonda (Donald) Hoover of Lyons;  son William II (Kimberlee) Raybern of Worthington; grandchildren: Kaylee (Trey) Sparks, Taylor Hoover, Hannah Hoover, William Raybern III, Clayton Hoover and Morgan Raybern; and great-grandchildren: Ayvah Sparks, Peighton Sparks and Coltin Sparks; Brothers: Don (Shari) Raybern of Lawrence, KS, Joe (Melinda) Raybern of Orlando, FL, and Gary Raybern of Orlando, FL; sister Martha Raybern of Colorado; many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

No public services are planned at this time.

Cremation Services have been entrusted to Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington.  

Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.welchcornett.com