Colonel Billy R. Lord, age 86, of Springfield, MO passed away October 15, 2021 in Mercy Hospital after an extended illness.  Born in Gladewater, TX on November 26, 1935,"Bill"grew up in New Iberia, LA.  He lived a life of service to his country as a Chaplain in the US Army. While stationed at Fort Campbell, KY he met the love of his life, Bettye Sue Ellis of Clarksville, TN.  They were married on January 4 ^th , 1957, in Augsburg, Germany.  To this union three children were born, Patrick, born in Augsburg, Germany, Darlene, born in Nashville, TN, and William, born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

During Colonel Lord's service in the US Army he was a proud member of the 11 ^th Air Assault Division, First Air Cavalry Division, 101 ^st Airborne, XVIII Airborne Corps, and 82 ^nd Airborne Division.  He served three tours of duty in Vietnam, and his decorations include Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Master Parachutist Badge. He retired from the military in Nurnberg, Germany, in 1984, and with his wife Bettye, created and managed a Leadership Training firm providing services to Fortune 500 companies in Europe.  Retiring to Springfield, Missouri in 2000, Bill and Bettye resided in the Elfindale community.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and serving others.  He and Bettye particularly enjoyed attending reunions with his fellow Troopers from the 1st Cav, with whom he shares an eternal brotherhood.  He also enjoyed annual spring and fall float trips with his son and dear friends on the Eleven Point and Current Rivers until the age of 80.

Colonel Billy R. Lord is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bettye Lord, three children, Patrick Lord of Springfield, MO, Darlene Weiss and husband Michael of Moyock, NC, and William Lord of Zandvoort,  Netherlands; four grandchildren, Susie Gray and husband Ike of Manitou Springs, CO, Evan Lord and wife Hanna of Springfield, MO, Michael J. Weiss and wife Elizabeth of Columbia, MO, Erica Ballard and husband Jimmy of Springfield, MO, and nine great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruby Lord, and his brother Thomas Lord of New Iberia, LA.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 12:30pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO at 2pm.

Out of respect for the health and safety of Bill's family and all in attendance, we ask that masks be worn at all times during the indoor memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the US Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Association, Sutton In-Home Senior Care, and Haven Hospice.