William was born at Bourbon, Missouri, August 23, 1942, to Daniel and Serelda (Halfaker) Rohrer.  William passed peacefully in his sleep from this life, on December 1st, 2023 at the age of 81, and by his own testimony in a song he wrote, "stepped into the lights of Heaven," "where I'll never roam."

The youngest of 5 boys William was named for his great-grandfather William Allsman, Uncle Bill Halfaker, and family friend Eugene Souders.  William is survived by his wife of 58 years, Velma Rae (Eudy) Rohrer.  Other survivors include Victor Rohrer of Springfield, MO; Albert Rohrer and wife Fran of Sullivan, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding William in death are his parents Daniel and Serelda Rohrer and brothers Dan and Ken Rohrer.

William attended all 12 grades at Bourbon School.  Early on music was a big part of William's life.  His parents had good singing voices, and music was a common sound at his home.  The old upright piano, that had more broken keys than good ones, was what they played until a Spinet was purchased.  At age 5 William was playing church songs he had heard at church.  Marguerite Randolph, later Mrs. Damm, became William's piano teacher at 50 cents an hour.  These lessons continued even into High School and they developed an endeared relationship so much so that when Mrs. Damm passed away, she willed William the Baby Grand Piano he was taught on!

Throughout school William played for many of the programs presented, even to fill in for music classes when the music teacher was absent.  In his senior year, just before graduation, he gave a presentation of piano, voice and trombone.  He then attended Central Methodist College with a music scholarship in voice and piano.  He would later sing with the St. Louis Cosmopolitans.

He met Velma Rae Eudy at a bus stop in St. Louis where William had taken a career in hair styling.  One thing led to the next and they were married on March 6th, 1965.  Velma completed a degree from Washington University, in art and design.  She also was gifted with a beautiful singing voice which fit right in with William's natural musical talents.

They would go on to use their musical talents to bless his family, many church congregations, and others, singing gospel songs and some songs that William wrote himself!  He wrote around 100 gospels songs and some he has copyrighted.  Family Christmas gatherings were made more joyous when William and Velma attended and William would play the piano and both would sing some of William's songs.  Everyone loved "Christmas is that Time of Year."  A couple of phrases from "I'm Just a Stranger and a Pilgrim" are included in italics at the end of the first paragraph above; is another family favorite.

In 1983 William and Velma built a log home on Velma's family property in Shannon County, MO at Barron Fork.  Pastimes there included music, gardening, and genealogy.  Velma traced her family back to 500 A.D. and William traced the Rohrer's back to 8-24-1728 when Johannes Rohrer came to America.  William later authored the book "Saga of the Rohrer's", which has been a blessing to many relatives all over America.

William is to be interred in the Bourbon Cemetery alongside his father and mother.  A graveside memorial service will be announced at a later date.