William Wayne Liston

Life Long Welder William “Bill” Liston (84) passed away on July 24, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. A public visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (1721 Park St, Perry, IA 50220) on Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 , from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., with a Masonic service starting at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church (1224 Lucinda St, Perry, IA 50220) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Jul 29, 2024 . Interment will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery (1700 Park St, Perry, IA 50220) Memorial contributions can be made to the family to establish a scholarship fund in Bills name at the Iowa Welding Institute at DMACC.

William Wayne Liston was born on March 23, 1940 in Des Moines,IA to Walter Wayne and Winifred Arlene Capp Liston. The family grew with the addition of brother Charles Bernard on May 31,1943.

Bill loved growing up on the farm, loved choring, riding his horse and being outdoors.

He graduated from Washington Township School with the class of 1958. He joined the National Guard in 1960 and served 6 years. He met Karen Newton on a blind date in June of 1961. They married in November 1963. Being married for 60 ½ years. They had 2 sons, William Wade and Scott Kipton.

He started farming with his dad after graduation. He then opened his welding shop in 1984 and his retail Carhartt store in 1985.

He was a 50 year member of Otley Masonic Lodge #299-Perry, The Za Ga Zig Shrine in Des Moines, the Perry Elks Club, and the Black Smith Association. He was a member since 1984.

Bill loved jokes, telling them, hearing them, playing them on people. He loved 50’s music-KIOA, dancing to the best music ever. Glenn Miller and “In the Mood.”

He loved his welding shop and farming. Raising cattle and hogs, and his classic cars. Especially the “59” Ford Galaxie Convertible. He loved his wife, his family, his country, and was a proud mason and veteran.

He is survived by his wife Karen, 2 Sons; Wade wife Audrey , Children Wyatt & Karren of Houghton, MI, Kip wife Melissa and son Mason of Beaverdale, IA. His brother Charles & wife Linda. Nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Bill’s name for a welding scholarship at VanKirk DMACC.

As Bill always said “HAVE A ROTTEN DAY.”