@MizzouHoops Mourns Passing of All-Time Great Bill Stauffer
11/28/2015 6:58:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Former Tiger was first ever Missouri player to have number retired
URBANDALE, Iowa - The Mizzou Men's Basketball program was saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Bill Stauffer over the Thanksgiving holiday. An All-American as a senior, Stauffer starred for the University of Missouri on the basketball court from 1948-52.
Stauffer is considered Mizzou's first accomplished big man, as the native Missourian established the program's career rebounding record (964) during his time on campus. His senior season (16.5) and career rebounding (13.6) rebounding averages still stand as school records to this day. His senior (379) and junior (357) season rebound totals stand as the two best in program history. This success on the boards came while Stauffer stood just 6-4.
An All-Big Seven selection for the 1950-51 and 1951-52 seasons, Stauffer was picked by the Boston Celtics in the 1952 NBA Draft, but joined the United States Air Force instead.
Stauffer was inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991 and was the first-ever Tiger to have his number (43) retired.
Stauffer passed away on Thursday, Nov. 26, in Urbandale, Iowa. He was born in Maryville, Missouri, on June 9, 1930.
"The Mizzou Basketball Family is saddened to hear of the passing of one of our all-time greats, Bill Stauffer," head coach Kim Anderson said. "Bill was not only a great basketball player, but a tremendous ambassador and supporter of our university. Our entire program sends our thoughts and prayers to Jean and her family."
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lifespace Foundation, c/o Deerfield Retirement Community, YMCA of Greater Des Moines, or University of Missouri Libraries.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m., at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (815 High St., Des Moines, IA, 50309).
A full obituary can be found here.
