William Monroe Douglas

William Monroe Douglas, age 82 years, a resident of Cypress, Illinois, passed away Monday evening, May 12, 2025, at 9:57 P.M. at the Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois. Monroe, as he was known to family and friends, was born February 8, 1943 in Metropolis, Illinois. He was the son of Albert Tilman Douglas and Nellie Isabell (Rick) Douglas. Monroe was united in marriage to Rose Denzer on October 15, 1964 in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He was later united in marriage to Brenda S. Alsip on July 21, 1995 at the Cypress Baptist Church. She survives. Monroe is also survived by: his children – Kathy (Jeff) Harris of Metropolis, Sue (Ray) West of West Vienna, Maria (Chuck) Mills of Newport News, Virginia, Jean (James Green) Aviles of Joppa, Robert Douglas of Louisville, Kentucky, and Jessica (Josh) Wiley of Brookport; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 5 sisters – Sharon (Jerry) Mizell, Nancy Parker, Dorothy Harvel, and Darla Hefner all of Metropolis and Debbie Anderson of Herrin; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Monroe was preceded in death by: an infant granddaughter – Olivia Grace Wiley; a sister – Florence Cochran; and 3 brothers – Robert, Gary, and Danny Wayne Douglas. Monroe was a graduate of Metropolis High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 7, 1966. He served in the Vietnam War and was a member of the military police. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1972 with the rank of staff sergeant. Monroe was a member of the Villa Ridge American Legion Post # 178. Following his discharge from military service, Monroe began working in the construction trade on the Interstate 24 project. He later began working as an operator for the former Vulcan Materials, Inc. at the White Hill Stone Quarry where he was employed for 27 years. Monroe also served as a maintenance worker for the Village of Cypress for many years. He is remembered for his community mindedness and service. Monroe would often volunteer to mow yards for elderly residents and is fondly remembered as the “town’s skunk hunter.” Monroe was also employed for 8 years as a maintenance worker for the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Monroe was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He was a “jack-of-all-trades.” Monroe would craft items, such as jewelry and salt and pepper shakers, by hand from deer antlers. Monroe was a member of the Cypress Baptist Church, where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, song leader and custodian. A graveside service will be conducted Monday afternoon, May 19, 2025, at 1 P.M. at the Mound City National Cemetery. Pastor Jack Richardson will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Villa Ridge American Legion Post # 178. Inurnment will follow. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 A.M. until 12 Noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22209 or online at www.als.org

William Monroe Douglas

February 8, 1943 - May 12, 2025