Passing of Former Street Commissioner Bill Gann

It is with great sadness that we convey the passing of Mr. Bill Gann, former Street Commissioner for the City of Lawrence. Bill, from Monticello, Kentucky was born May 5th, 1942, and departed this life Monday, July 11th, reaching the age of 80 years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Anna Gann, one son; Timothy Wayne Gann, one brother; Marion Jefferson Gann, one granddaughter; Brianna Lynn Gann, two great grandchildren; Marlayna Lynn Gann and Jackson Wayne Rohleder. He was preceded in death by four sisters; Bonnie Begley, Wiladean Morgan, Dorothy Vanise Wheeler, and Mable Wesley, and two brothers; Charles William Gann and Darrell Ray Gann.

Bill and his wife Anna lived in Lawrence while Bill was Street Commissioner from 1974 to 2004, when they retired to Somerset, Kentucky. Bill and Anna's son Tim still resides in Lawrence and works for Lawrence Utilities. 

Bill was an "old-school", get it done-type person who ran the City's operations for many years. Known for getting projects done on time and under budget, Bill supervised street and sidewalk projects, water, sanitary and storm drainage projects, solid waste removal as well as the city's vehicle maintenance garage. There was not a piece of the overall operations of the city that Bill did not influence in one way or another. It was under Bill's leadership that the City developed its reputation for getting the streets cleared quickly and effectively in snow and ice conditions. 

There are many city employees still around who worked for or with Bill throughout the years and we all join in expressing our condolences to Bill's family for their loss, along with our gratitude and thanks for his long and dedicated service to the city, and their continued service to the City of Lawrence.