Billy Jo Cory

Billy Jo Cory, age 92, passed away on August 21, 2022, at Haven Roberts Hospice in Palatka, Florida. He was born on August 7,1930, in Talmo, Kansas, an unincorporated community in Republic County, Kansas, near Concordia, to Dewey Wendell and Edna W. (Krohn) Cory.
He graduated from Concordia High School in 1948 and attended Kansas State University before attending and graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Upon graduation on June 4, 1954, he received an engineering bachelor of science degree and a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army. Following Airborne and Ranger Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Bill was assigned to Fort Meyer, Virginia, to serve in the Old Guard, leading infantrymen tasked with the highest honor, laying to rest America’s heroes in Arlington Cemetery.
He then served a tour of Infantry Ranger duty in Korea, followed by an assignment to attend Mississippi State University, where he received a master of science degree in 1962. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Department of the Army, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at the Pentagon, followed by an assignment to the U.S. Army Materiel Command in Washington, D.C. Finally, having served faithfully and honorably for twelve years, Major Billy Jo Cory resigned from the U.S. Army in 1965.
His interest in serving the needs of the Army continued following his departure from commissioned service, and thus he quickly found his experience to be sought. He joined Avionics, Inc., an Arizona company with offices in the Washington beltway area with business ties to the U.S. Army. He purchased a beautiful home in McLean, Virginia, and began what he hoped would be a long second career.
Unfortunately, this was not to be for he was called home to Kansas to run the family farm following his father’s passing. In his third career, Bill became a devoted and gifted Kansas farmer, with energy and farming knowledge inherited from his father and mother. His pride crop was his quality alfalfa, which was sought by dairy farmer customers throughout Kansas. He continued to enthusiastically enjoy farming until his passing.
In his youth, Bill was a noted track star and athlete and held several local and state records. He was an avid runner and participated in several marathons. At West Point he was a cross country star, and during his senior year was selected to compete for the Olympic Pentathlon Team.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Dolores Facchina, of Flagler Beach, Florida and Herndon, Virginia.
It was Bill’s wishes to be cremated and buried next to his parents. A memorial graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas, with Pastor Dwight Whitead officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Fort Riley Military personnel and American Legion Post # 76 and VFW Post # 588. Friends may sign the register book from 12-5 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to West Point Military Academy in care of the funeral or via https://www.westpointaog.org/giveonline. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.