The University of Akron Athletics

Akron Men's Soccer Announces Passing of Former Head Coach Bill Killen
December 26 | Men's Soccer
ONLINE MEMORIAL
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Department of Athletics is saddened to announce that former head men's soccer head coach William "Bill" Killen passed away peacefully at his home in Fulton, Mo., on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
William enjoyed a distinguished career as both a soccer player and coach for more than 50 years. He led the Zips to a 32-16-7 mark, including a trio of NCAA Midwest Regional appearances, over his four seasons directing the Akron men's soccer program from 1970-73.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Billie, of the home; four daughters, Kimberli (Tim) Cooley of Jacksonville, N.C.; Kari Barnes of Charlotte, N.C.; Kelli Cotrell of Fulton, Mo., and Kati (Ryan) Boland of Fulton, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Morgan Hernandez and Autumn Cooley, both of Wilmington, N.C., Aaron (Camille) Barnes of Roanoke, Va., Sam (Ariana) Barnes of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Brian Cotrell of Fulton, Mo., Ryli (Nick) Leader of Birmingham, Ala., Kevin Wallace of Fort Myers, Fla., and Jordyn (Mitchell) Christensen of Hatton, Mo.; seven great-grandchildren, Bailey and Coral Barnes of Roanoke, Va., Sage and Navah Barnes of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Reagan Leader of Birmingham, Ala., and Max and Lola Christensen of Hatton, Mo.
William was cremated and the family held a private celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William Killen's name to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice.
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Department of Athletics is saddened to announce that former head men's soccer head coach William "Bill" Killen passed away peacefully at his home in Fulton, Mo., on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
William enjoyed a distinguished career as both a soccer player and coach for more than 50 years. He led the Zips to a 32-16-7 mark, including a trio of NCAA Midwest Regional appearances, over his four seasons directing the Akron men's soccer program from 1970-73.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Billie, of the home; four daughters, Kimberli (Tim) Cooley of Jacksonville, N.C.; Kari Barnes of Charlotte, N.C.; Kelli Cotrell of Fulton, Mo., and Kati (Ryan) Boland of Fulton, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Morgan Hernandez and Autumn Cooley, both of Wilmington, N.C., Aaron (Camille) Barnes of Roanoke, Va., Sam (Ariana) Barnes of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Brian Cotrell of Fulton, Mo., Ryli (Nick) Leader of Birmingham, Ala., Kevin Wallace of Fort Myers, Fla., and Jordyn (Mitchell) Christensen of Hatton, Mo.; seven great-grandchildren, Bailey and Coral Barnes of Roanoke, Va., Sage and Navah Barnes of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Reagan Leader of Birmingham, Ala., and Max and Lola Christensen of Hatton, Mo.
William was cremated and the family held a private celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William Killen's name to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice.
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