DODGE CITY – William Cory Price (known as Cory to his loved ones, Liam in his career), died Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita.

Cory was born November 29, 1969 in Wichita, the son of Robert and Carleeta (McDowell) Price. Much of his childhood was spent adventuring with neighborhood kids in College Hill Park, sparking his deep-seated love of the outdoors. In his twenties, he worked as an arborist, climber, and crew foreman for Mulford's Tree Service in Lawrence, Kansas, proving himself artist as well as tradesman. Later on, he began his EMS career in the Kansas City area as a Paramedic. While working for Edwardsville Fire Department, he attended Hutchinson Community College Fire Academy, earning certifications for Firefighter I & II, and HAZMAT. After a move to Dodge City in 2018, he worked for Ford County Fire and EMS as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters, Kansas EMS Association, Kansas State Firefighters Association, the Southwest Kansas Wildland Task Force, Ford County High Angle/Confined Space Team, and Task Force 6 Urban Search and Rescue. Always ready with a solution, he strode assuredly toward those who needed him, never away.

Though their life together began much earlier, on October 15, 2016, he married Amy Reinert at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dodge City. Their years were easy and full.

Cory was a phenomenal cook (self-taught), showing affection for people by feeding them. Some of his favorite moments were spent around the dinner table – friends, candles, wine, talking and laughing well into the night. He liked to share memories, telling many a story in vivid detail, most often to do with carefree times in the park, growing up alongside his cherished grandparents, or light-hearted, sometimes rambunctious, moments with friends. He enjoyed listening to jazz and trip hop, as well as to KJHK student radio out of Lawrence, Kansas, almost always on in the house. An avid reader, Cory's curiosity about the world was seeded by boyhood trips to the library with his mom. Of particular interest were other cultures, the workings of nature, and writings that challenged the status quo. Practically unmatched at Trivial Pursuit, he required no teammate until it was time for Sports and Leisure. He was a proud member of Generation X. Favorite movies featured heroes and underdogs that eventually weren't. He remembered birthdays. Though not a father, he loved children, who were easily drawn to his playful teasing and wit. When Cory was around, they knew to keep an eye on their French fries. He respected the elderly. He checked on neighbors. There was no suffering of fools for him, and if you were lucky enough to have him as a teacher or mentor, you knew you had better, as he would say, "Bring your 'A' game." He noticed everything and approached all things with pragmatism. He sat quietly with the hurting. He shoveled other people's snow. He was a good friend. Most alive on a mountain trail, hiking and camping were his true loves. Being near animals, pets or otherwise, gave him a particular peace. Favorite evenings were spent sitting barefoot in the grass petting his dog, Ava and talking with his Amy, cold beverage in hand. His standards were impeccable; sometimes infuriating, never compromised. He asked the hard questions. He was a defender of the marginalized and comforter of those in pain. He saved lives in all the ways they can be saved.

Survivors include: his wife, Amy, Dodge City; his dog, Ava; a brother, Robert Price II and wife Juliana, Granada Hills, California; a sister, Liz Trotter and husband Greg, Denver, Colorado; his mother-in-law, Rose Reinert, Dodge City; several in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and a group of close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Carl and Martha McDowell, his father-in-law, Ronald Reinert, and his feline companions, Cat and Boo.

A service will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 10 am at Wright Park Bandshell in Dodge City. There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to KJHK 90.7, SWKS K9 Pawsibilities, or Sesame Workshop (an affiliate of Sesame Street), all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.  Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com