William Leo Renne, 87, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2022, at Eastridge Skilled Nursing Home in Centralia.

Bill was born on December 8, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles and Ruth (Callahan) Renne.

Bill attended 8^th grade at St Joseph’s School in Shawnee.

Bill loved to fish.  He always told his children, “One day I’m going to float the Mississippi like Huck Finn and Tom Sayer and just fish!”

He was an adventurer, running away from one grandma’s house to the other grandma’s house with his siblings.  In junior high he hit the road again with some friends, with about twenty-five cents between them.  When his mom asked why he ran away from home, don’t you love me?” Bill replied of course I love you, Mom.  I just want to see the world.”

Bills ultimate adventure, though, was joining the Navy.  On January 31, 1952 Bill enlisted in the US Navy in Kansas City, Missouri. Bill served three years nine months and 13 days during the Korean Conflict.  He three years of foreign service and was stationed aboard the USS MT. MC Kinley (AGC-7).  While aboard the USS Mt. MC Kinley Bill along with his fellow service member was part of Underwater Water Atomic Test-Operation Wigwam, 1955.  Bill was discharged on November 18, 1955 at the Rank of SH3.

After being discharged from the Navy, Bill held many jobs; but the hospitality industry became his passion.  He worked for Smaks Drive-In in the late 1950’s. In the early 1960’s Bill went to work for Red Barn Restaurant in Kansas City where he eventually became manager.  Then in 1968 Bill was promoted to General Manage in West Allis, Wisconsin over 11 stores, from 1968 to 1974. In 1974 Bill purchased a Red Barn Unit in Meadville, Pennsylvania and kept it for 10 years.  In 1976 Bill opened a second restaurant called Mr. Chicken in Jamestown, Pennsylvania near the Pymatuning State Park area. Bill closed Mr. Chicken in 1981 and retired from the restaurant business in 1984.

Bill was a member of the Catholic Church in Blue Rapids, Kansas.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ruth (Callahan) Renne, and brothers Fred Renne on March 27, 2021 and Jerome (Jerry) Renne on August 31, 2005.

He is survived by his children Julia A. (Lawrence) Renne of Manassas, Virginia, William L. (Judy) Renne of Edinboro, Pennsylvania and Anna M. (Kevin) Fillgrove of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, 7 Grandchildren, 5 Great-grandchildren; siblings Charles (Charlotte) Renne, Denver, Colorado, Jody (Paul) Henry of Seneca, Thomas Renne of Seneca, Jerome’s wife Linda Renne of Valley, Nebraska, Daniel (Vicky) Renne of Centralia, Mary (Jim) McNeer of Como Mississippi, Janet (Ray) Powers of Milton, Florida, Joan (Bob) Wilhelmi of Kansas City, Kansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Monday evening, June 20, 2022 from 6 to 7 P.M..

Bill will be buried with full military honors at the Veterans National Cemetery at Fort Riley.

Memorials in Bill’s memory will be designated at a later date, sent in care of the family.