Dr. William (Bill) Joseph Haggerty

Dr. William (Bill) Joseph Haggerty, Jr. 75 passed away Aug. 24, 2008 at his Lake Viking home near Altamont. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Mary Im- maculate Catholic Church 409 S. Main, Gallatin.

Dr. Haggerty’s passion for science motivated him to bequeath his body to the Kansas University School of Medicine for teaching and research purposes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church Building Fund in care of McWilliams Funeral Home.

Bill was born Nov. 3, 1932 to William and Evelyn (Harrigan) Haggerty in Kansas City. He graduated from Glennon High School in Kansas City in 1949 and graduated from Rockhurst College in 1954. He served his country in the US Army Medical Corp for two years. Upon Bill’s return home he enrolled at UMKC where he received his Master’s degree in Chemistry and a PHD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Dr. Haggerty retired from Midwest Research Institute in 1996. During his career he conducted cancer research and authored more then 40 publications sponsored by the National Cancer Insti- tute. Dr. Haggerty lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for eight years where he estab- lished eight laboratories for the Saudi government. He also lived and worked in Spain for two years.

After retirement Dr. Haggerty continued working with Midwest Research Institute as a consultant. He also taught graduate studies at Baker University where he received the Brad Willis Outstanding Faculty Service Award.

Dr. Haggerty contributed his scientific knowledge and expertise volunteering for 19 Earthwatch Institute Pro- grams throughout the world during his career as well as during his retirement years. In 2005 Dr. Haggerty was inducted into Rockhurst University Science Hall of Fame.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was a kind, gentle and giving man who will be sadly missed by his loving companion, Susan Kiriakos of Gallatin, his brothers Hugh Haggerty and wife Carol of Kansas City, Mo., and Gary Haggerty and wife Connie of Independence, Mo. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Online obituaries at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com.