William Charles Vanatta (Bill) was born on October 19, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William and Teresa Vanatta. He received a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Bill worked as a videographer and editor for KCTV 5 News for over 30 years, as well as co-owning a freelance marketing firm, Key Marketing. Bill married Debra Vanatta (Debbie) in 1986, and the two were blessed with two daughters, Natalie and Lindsay. A telephile his whole life, Bill loved creating, watching, and enjoying all forms of television production and media, with a special interest in old westerns and sci-fi classics like Star Trek. Bill enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and had a charisma and charm that always made him the life of the party.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Teresa; sister, Mary Margaret Hugunin; brother-in-law, Gary Hugunin; and nephew, Gary Pat Hugunin. Bill leaves to cherish his name his spouse, Debbie Vanatta; daughters, Natalie Cashin and Lindsay Vanatta; granddaughter, June Cashin; nieces and nephews, Chris and Christy Hugunin, Tracey and Alexandria Hugunin, Eric Hugunin, and Jennifer and Justin Leffler; best friend, Roger Hull; and other friends and loved ones.