Dr. William V. Mcknelly, Jr.

Dr. William V. McKnelly, Jr. 83, of Overland Park KS, died suddenly on October 10th while preparing to go to work. He was a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center where he served as a faculty member since 1961. Bill is survived by his wife Joyce, and daughters Maureen McKnelly, Michele McKnelly (Thomas Smisek), Jennifer McKnelly-Ginn (Bruce Ginn), grandchildren Sandra(Chad Brown) and Sean McCann, Thomas W. Smisek, Lauren Riccelli, Bruce III, Ryan and Christopher Ginn(Ashley), great grandson Rowan McCann Brown and his brother L. D.(Skip), McKnelly (Deanna) of Jefferson City MO and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sons William Von McKnelly, III, infant Henry McKnelly, and his sister Mary Alyce Craig.

Bill was born in St. Louis and grew up in Chamois and Jefferson City, Mo. He was a graduate of Westminster College, the University of Missouri, and St. Louis University's Medical Schools. He was professor of Psychiatry at The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) where he has had an important role in the training program helping to educate three generations of Kansas doctors. He had served the university since 1961, and was the most senior active full-time faculty member. He also served as a staff psychiatrist at the VA Hospital in KCMO from 1961 until 2011. He was the founder and Director of the Methadone Clinic for Opiate Addiction and Director of the Lithium Clinic for Affective Disorders at KUMC. He was a member of the American College of Psychiatrists, served as President of the Missouri Psychiatric Society from 1973-74 and was President of the Western Missouri District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association from 1972-73. Bill served in the US Navy as a lieutenant and staff psychiatrist from 1957-59.

Dr. McKnelly always seemed to have unlimited energy and willingness to do what was needed. He was perceived by colleagues as someone who would advocate tirelessly for his patients and trainees. He had a fine sense of humor and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and patients.

A memorial service will be held at the Old Mission United Methodist Church, Fairway, Kansas. There will be a visitation from 3-5 p.m., October 16, 2012, the service will begin at 5:00 p.m.

The family requests no flowers and suggests contributions to the The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.