William A. Titus

William A. "Will" Titus, 73, passed away surrounded by family on July 2, 2026 in Newton, Kansas. 

Born in Halstead, Kansas, on June 6, 1953 to Jack and Cleo Titus, Will built a life centered on family, friendship, and serving his community.

Will graduated from Halstead High School with the Class of 1971 before attending General Motors Trade School in Kansas City, where he studied automotive body work. Throughout his career, he was known for his strong work ethic. He ran a gas station on Farmers Corner in Halstead, and later worked at Ag-Co, and then at Windsor Mobile Homes. In 1984, he began a career with UPS, where he faithfully served for 36 years before retiring in 2020. During his time with UPS, Will earned the Circle of Honor for his safe driving record, recognizing his commitment to excellence and professionalism.

On October 17, 1987, Will married the love of his life, DeAnn Titus, in the backyard of DeAnn's mother's home in Halstead. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Will and DeAnn were soulmates, rarely doing anything without the other.

Will was preceded in death by both of his parents.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, DeAnn; his brothers, Mike (Carmie) and Steve (Annete); his bonus daughter, Kaylie; several nieces and nephews; cousins, Dean, Debbie, and Vicky; brothers-in-law Mike Thomas and Leta, and Gary Thomas and Pam; dear friends, including many lifelong friends and former UPS coworkers; and numerous extended family members whose lives he touched.

Outside of work, Will embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed target shooting, browsing antique stores in search of record albums, and attending concerts, especially those featuring Jon Bon Jovi and George Strait. For more than 30 years, he looked forward to water skiing at Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob. He also took great pride in collecting basketball shoes, particularly Air Jordans and Patrick Mahomes editions.

Will and DeAnn shared a love of travel, and one of their most treasured adventures was a 17-day trip through England and Europe, including Scotland and Brussels. Among the highlights was visiting the family farm where Will's grandfather farmed in Scotland, a memory they held close to their hearts.

Those who knew Will will remember him as funny, kindhearted, and quick-witted. He was generous by nature, always willing to lend a helping hand, and treasured spending time with his family. His warmth, sense of humor, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Will's memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he enriched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.