Mr. William L. "Bill" Oliver

William L. “Bill” Oliver Age: 84 A resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois. Passed away Thursday evening, September 22, 2011, at 7:07 PM at the Metropolis Health Care Center. Bill was born September 2, 1927 in Ozark, Illinois. He was the son of Johnie Oliver and Beulah (Emerson) Oliver. Bill was united in marriage to Shirley Mathis on July 3, 1951. To this union two sons were born, William David Oliver and Tim L. Oliver. Bill was later united in marriage to Jodene Elkins McNichols in 1973. She preceded him in death in 1982. Bill was then united in marriage to Jewell Johnston Bodimer in 1983. She preceded him in death in 2006. Survivors include: 2 Sons - William David Oliver, and his wife Beverly, of Centerville, OH Tim L. Oliver, and his wife Vena, of Vienna, IL 5 Grandchildren – Selina, Sarah, Joey, Amy, & Melanie 3 Great Grandchildren 2 Sisters – June Staton, and her husband Ed, of Belknap, IL Mary Yandell, and her husband Kenneth, of Tunnel Hill, IL Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents and wives, Jodene and Jewell, Bill was preceded in death by a brother – Robert Oliver. Bill was a 1945 graduate of Herscher High School in Herscher, Illinois. Bill was a U.S. Army veteran serving from April 1946 – September 1947. He was stationed in occupied Japan and served as a squadron leader and paratrooper. Bill attained the rank of staff sergeant. Bill was a lifelong farmer. He was a former member of the Production Credit Board of Directors as well as the Egyptian Livestock Association Board of Directors. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. Bill was a 40+ year member of the New Columbia Masonic Lodge # 336 AF&AM and was a member of the American Legion Post in Metropolis. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, September 27, 2011, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Frank Forthman will officiate. Burial will be in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be from 5 PM – 8 PM Monday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be accorded at 8 PM Monday by New Columbia Masonic Lodge # 336 AF&AM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4503 W. DeYoung St., Suite 200C, Marion, IL 62959 or to the New Hope Baptist Church (Building Fund), c/o Kent Korte, 5870 New Columbia Road, Metropolis, IL. 62960.

Mr. William L. "Bill" Oliver

September 2, 1927 - September 22, 2011