William J. Worrell

December 20, 1927 - August 26, 2020

William J. “Bill” Worrell, age 92 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, August 26, 2020, at 6:33 PM at his home. Bill was born December 20, 1927 in Carbondale, Illinois. He was the son of F.E. and Esther (McCormack) Worrell. On April 28, 1951, Bill was united in marriage to Nan Helme in Evanston, Illinois. Together, they enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Nan preceded him in death on February 15, 2018. Bill is survived by: his children – William “Skip” Worrell of Palatine, Illinois, Victoria Chamberlain of Lakin, Kansas, and John Worrell of Firestone, Colorado; 3 grandchildren – Danny Chamberlain, Laurie Collins, and Pete Chamberlain; as well as 3 great grandchildren – Bentley Collins, Brady Chamberlain, and Austin Collins. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by: a brother and sister-in-law – James and Thelma Worrell. Bill was a 1945 graduate of Vienna High School. He then attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and earned a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois. Bill served in the Army of Occupation in Japan during his military service from 1946 – 1947. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in May 1947. Bill was employed for over 30 years by the Illinois Department of Public Aid. He served for many years as the superintendent of the Johnson County office prior to his retirement. Bill was a member of the former Vienna Kiwanis Club. He was a 65 year member of the Masonic fraternity and Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. He served as the lodge’s Worshipful Master during the year 1960. Bill and Nan were active and faithful members of the Vienna First United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed a number of activities, including: golfing, traveling, raising roses and framing photographs and artwork. Bill was a faithful St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. A graveside service honoring the life of William J. “Bill” Worrell will be conducted Sunday afternoon, August 30, 2020, at 2 PM at the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Pastor Russ Kreuter will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard burial honors detail. Additionally, masonic rites will be conducted by Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 1:45 PM. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Contribution envelopes will be available at the service or you may stop by Bailey Funeral Home for assistance. Those attending the service are asked to observe customarily accepted social distancing guidelines and are requested to wear a face mask or covering.