William “Bill” Robert Kyser, 79, of Katy, Texas passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Bill was born on November 8, 1945 to Madelyne and John Kyser in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He grew up with two brothers, John (Lockport, IL) and Michael (Tulsa, OK). After graduating from high school, he earned a degree in business from the University of Nebraska. Bill served in the United States Army and was stationed in Giessen, Germany where he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife, Mary. They returned to the States, married in 1971 and settled in Houston, Texas.

While serving in Germany, Bill developed a passion for transportation, which led him to pursue a master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. He spent the majority of his career in public service as the Assistant Director of Transportation for Houston ISD and the Director of Transportation for Katy ISD, jobs he found gratifying and fulfilling.

A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bill is survived by his daughter, Kristen Azari and her husband Scott (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) and his son, Kevin Kyser and his wife Carol (Richmond, TX). He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Lillian, Emma, Maya, Kira, and Clark, all of whom cherish him deeply.

Bill had a zest for life and a wide range of passions. He loved travel and Rick Steves, creating stained glass, was an avid Francophile, and found joy in riding trains and building models of them. He was a passionate supporter of public broadcasting and our national parks. Bill was known for his love of cold beer and breweries, key lime pie and dark chocolate, war movies, Westerns and politics. He knew something about everything and always had a story to tell. Above all, he adored his family and always put them first.

Known for his gentle nature, Bill was described by all who knew him as one of the kindest, most generous souls with not a mean bone in his body. His light shone brightly, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Bill’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the National Parks Foundation.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, equality and honesty. This world is a better place not only for those who love him, but for the community and country he served.