Billie L. McElwee

CHARLESTON, IL – Billie Lowell McElwee, age 91of Charleston, sang his last song on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 and passed away peacefully at Brookstone Estates of Charleston.  Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston and again from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.  Burial, with military rites conducted by the Charleston VFW and Charleston American Legion combined honor guard, will be in Roselawn Cemetery - Charleston.  Donations in his honor may be made to the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation online at www.illinoiselksccc.org or by mail at P.O. Box 222, Chatham, Illinois 62629.

Bill was born October 29, 1926 in Humboldt Township, Illinois, a son of the late Lowell and Retha (Adams) McElwee.  Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Molly McElwee of Charleston; seven children, Lana Smith (Jim) of Bakersfield, California and the daughter of Pat Quigley; Bridgette Waldau (Jim) of Okeechobee, Florida, Jerilyn McElwee (Matt Albers) of Chantilly, Florida and Shawn Veach (Bill) of Lady Lake, Florida and the daughters of the late Madonna Moody Milliner; and Terry “Sam” McElwee (Teresa) of Springfield, Illinois, Diane Yamamoto of Charleston, Illinois and Tanya Getche (JC) of Kansas, Illinois and the children of Molly McElwee.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren as well as his beloved brother, Dwight McElwee (Norma) of Charleston and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Bill was a graduate of Humboldt High School and was a United States Army Veteran, proudly serving our country during the Korean War.  He was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, and the oldest living member of the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623 where he served as Exalted Ruler and winning numerous state awards for his Eleven O’Clock Toast.  He was also known around town as the Elks’ Easter Bunny (the best bunny since bugs), showing up in parades and visiting nursing and assisted living homes as well as the hospital during Easter.  Bill also held membership at the Charleston Country Club. 

A life-long resident of the Charleston area, Bill was a farmer, also working in construction and sales.  However, his life’s passion and enjoyment was his music.  Bill entertained professionally right out of high school and up into his 80’s.  The Bill McElwee Band was extremely popular, entertaining all over Illinois.  His dance music included the Big Band Sound and Country music, but through the years, Bill entertained with current music of the day.  It was through his band that he met his wife Molly, who played the organ and entertained with him for more than 50 years.

Bill enjoyed life to the fullest, always saying something to make you laugh, and he never knew a stranger.  He was a blessing to his family and to his many friends and will always be fondly and lovingly remembered.