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Obituary for William "Bill" R. McGillem
Bill McGillem, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Oakview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Mount Carmel. He was born on August 20, 1934 in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Orville C. and Thelma Louise (Durfur) McGillem. Bill graduated from Princeton Community High School in 1952. He married Barbara Diane Ross on April 9, 1960 and together they enjoyed sixty years of marriage. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather who treasured the time he spent with his family. Bill attended Southern Illinois University for two years prior to joining the United States Air Force in 1956. He served in the Air Force as a Draftsman for four years (1956-1960). During his service he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1960. Bill worked at Potter & Brumfield (AMF) and then at Siemens as an Electrical Engineer from 1960 until his retirement in 1994. Among Bill’s hobbies, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing golf and bowling with family and friends. He also enjoyed being on the water fishing and was a former member of the Hanging Rock Bass Club. He had a passion for flying remote controlled model airplanes and was also a member of the SASS, Single Action Shooting Society, where he participated in competitive cowboy reenactment shooting. Bill will be remembered by his loving wife, Barb McGillem of Mount Carmel; son, William “Chuck” McGillem and his wife, Doreen of Belleville, IL; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou (Hurst) McGillem of Princeton, Indiana; and three nieces. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, William David McGillem; and brother, Donald McGillem. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation rites will take place and a Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at a later date with family and friends. Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Bill’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the McGillem family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
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Cremation has taken place.
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