Born July 11, 1933, on Dodd’s Island across the Osage River from Bonnots Mill, Missouri, Bill was the son of the late Leo John and Louise Josephine (Bescheinen) Backes. He graduated from Fatima High School in Westphalia in 1952.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in France. On October 22, 1955, he married Nancy Fassbinder. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and chaos—raising nine children and sharing nearly 70 years of marriage.

He loved hunting, trapping, mushroom hunting, gardening, square dancing, feeding his birds, ginseng hunting, and really, anything outdoors. He was a lifelong fair-weather St. Louis Cardinal fan…alternating between cheering them on and being disgusted. He had a real sense of humor and loved kidding around with his grand-kids. He was a proud member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the American Legion, and participated in the Honor Flights. He has 71 direct descendents.