Marra, William Joseph "Bill"

Born at Kansas City, KS; deaf at 5 1/2 from spinal meningitis. After 2 fruitless years in public schools, went to and graduated the Kansas School for the Deaf (1925) and Gallaudet College (1930). Worked until 1937 as an instructor in adult evening classes for the deaf in Kansas City, MO, then boys' supervisor at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf. Returned to Kansas in 1938 as boys' supervisor at the Kansas School for the Deaf, adding teaching duties in 1942. Gave up his supervising duties when he married June Rubeling in 1954 but continued as a teacher until retirement in 1976. After retirement, established the Kansas School for the Deaf museum and arcives. Wrote over 150 published public-opinion letters and articles in both deaf and hearing newspapers. Died at and is buried in Olathe, KS.