Dr. William George Hires

William George Hires died Aug. 10, 2021. He was born Aug. 12, 1930, in Catlin, Ill. In 1950, Bill married former Mary L. Jenkins in Mountain View, Mo. Together they had five children, Nancy (Allen) McReynolds, Susan (Lewis) Vermillion; Steven (Charlotte) Hires; Joe (Julie) Hires; and Jeffrey (Channa) Hires.

Education was an integral aspect of Bill’s life. In 1953 he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from The University of Missouri; in 1975, a Master of Agricultural Education from MU; in 1977, a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from MU. Bill’s many degrees were utilized by teaching Vocational Agriculture in Miller, Mo., from 1953-1956 and Nevada, Mo., from 1959-1975. From 1977-1998 he was a Professor of Agricultural Engineering at MU.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary; daughter, Susan Vermillion; grandson, Adam Vermillion; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Oates; one brother, L.C. Robert Hires of Ohio; special daughter, Betty Vermillion; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Memorials are suggested to the Bill Hires Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to University of Missouri and mail to Mizzou Gift Processing, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211; or give online at giving.missouri.edu. Include gift instructions “in memory of Bill Hires” on all gifts.