Educator, businessman, and horticulturist William " Bill " Theobald, a youthful 82 of Troy, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Bill was born June 12, 1941, in Manning, Iowa, to Edward Theobald and Theresa ( Nickelsen ) Theobald. His childhood was spent on the family farm in Manilla, Iowa, with his parents and older sister Margery, who he adored. He graduated from Manilla grade school and high school. While attending Manilla High School, Bill played trombone in the school band and was a standout on the football team.

Bill enlisted at Keesler Air Force base in Mississippi in 1965 after graduation. He was honorably discharged in 1968 after his active service in Japan. After his time in the service, Bill was accepted to the University of Iowa. He later graduated with a Master's Degree in Political Science and Social Studies, which planted the seeds for his successful teaching career. It was during these years at the University of Iowa that Bill met the love of his life, a fellow student, Ellyn Lee McCrackin. After a whirlwind courtship, Ellen and Bill were married on August 7, 1971, in Nashua, Iowa, at the "Little Brown Church in the Vale." To this union was born their beloved and cherished only child, Robert " Bob " Theobald, in 1983.

Although Bill and Ellyn each had advanced degrees, they began their careers teaching in communities near Troy after moving from Iowa. They were both passionate about education yet dreamed of growing vegetables and flowering plants in a rural setting. That dream was realized in 1976 with the purchase of the former Twellman Farm in the Sugar Grove Community off Highway J. Along with the beautiful acreage, all that remained was the old barn and corn crib. That first summer, they lived " camped out " in the elegant corn crib while remodeling the barn, which in time transformed into their new home. The remodeled barn was fortunately ready for occupancy when the first snowflakes began to fall.

In 1979, they decided to put their plant and vegetable growing passion to the test by opening Sugar Grove Growers. Bill helped spearhead the family business and simultaneously taught at Wentzville Holt High School for nearly 30 years. Bill was a much-admired and respected teacher by the students and fellow faculty members. Because of his degree in Political Science and Civics, Bill was always in touch with the political pulse of the country. He took great pride in being educated on current events and policies. He felt that that is what makes each of us a patriotic citizen of this great nation. Bill was never afraid to share his opinion in hopes that he might open a mind and heart.

During Bob's years of playing football at Troy Buchanan High School, Bill and Ellyn were very active in the Troy Trojan Booster Club.

Bill and Ellyn were generous in their philanthropy to the Troy Community with membership and support of PALS Animal Shelter and Rescue, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln County Historical Society, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Troy Garden Club, Troy Downtown Merchants Association, Lincoln County Council on Aging (LCCOA) formerly TACOA, and Lincoln County Memorial Hospital.

Surviving are his loving family: son Robert "Bob" Theobald and his wife Alana Fravell of Troy; niece Ann Collins Johns and her husband Hilary Johns of Austin, TX. He was preceded by his beloved wife Ellyn Lee McCrackin Theobald on September 29, 2015, in addition to sister and brother-in-law Marge Theobald Collins and her husband Tom Collins.

A private memorial service is to be held at a later date for friends and family. Memorials may be given to PALS Animal Shelter and Rescue in care of McCoy Blossom and are invited to sign our online guest registry at : www.mccoyblossomfh.com