Bill Kolze July 14, 1952 – December 12, 2018 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Vernon William “Bill” Kolze Jr., 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, in Borger, Texas after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 14, 1952 in Washington D.C. He graduated from Glendale High School, in Springfield, Missouri in 1970.
Following graduation, he attended Drury University where he met his future wife Marcia Ellen Crow. They were married on August 8, 1978. He transferred to The University of Missouri at Rolla (now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology) and graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management.
Bill started his career as an electrical engineer with Black & Veatch engineering firm in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1980 he began working for Phillips Petroleum Company at their complex in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1982 he relocated to work at the Phillips refinery in Borger, Texas.
He loved the small town atmosphere and the refinery. Bill had a strong background in chemistry, a natural mechanical aptitude, and an advanced electrical engineering knowledgebase. His work at the refinery occurred at a point in time where his unique skill set fit perfectly with the computerized modernization of the highly volatile process control systems within the refinery.
The Borger refinery had an outstanding safety performance record during his career. But to Bill, the refinery was a huge tinker toy and the ultimate adult playground. He was a master at his craft, and his wisdom was sought after by his friends and coworkers until his final days.
The relationships and lives he touched over the years are immeasurable. He was a great mentor and has helped multiple generations of coworkers and friends become more successful. Earlier this year he retired from what is now Phillips 66 after working for 40 years as an electrical engineer.
Bill will be remembered as a dedicated engineer both at work and at home. He had a passion to understand and improve anything with moving parts or powered by electricity. He would build his own electronics including TVs and personal computers.
He was an avid classic car enthusiast and restored numerous Corvettes and Camaros over the years. He was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and brother who devoted his life to his wife, children, and granddaughter. He selflessly gave his children every opportunity for success.
He was a strong, intelligent, independent man that strived to achieve perfection in all his endeavors. His values and life lessons will live forever in our memories. Bill is survived by his wife Marcia Ellen Crow Kolze, his two children Christopher Thomas Kolze, M.D. and his fiancé Sarah Elisabeth Locke of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Emily Ann Kolze and her daughter, Lynnlee Paige of Borger, Texas; his brother Thomas Joseph “Tom” Kolze, Ph.D. and his wife, Linda Sue of Phoenix, Arizona; two nieces MaryJo Alicia Kolze of Fairfax, Virginia and LoriAnne Amelia Kolze of Phoenix, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon William Kolze Sr. M.D. and Mary Ann, and his close maternal uncle Thomas Blunk Wright. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, December 18 at Faith Covenant Church, 1501 S Florida St, Borger, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Directors, Borger.
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