William Goranson

MONMOUTH - William E. "B.I." Goranson, 86, of Monmouth died at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

B.I. was born Sept. 2, 1927, in Monmouth, Ill., the son of John G. and Ida Elda (Hull) Goranson. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1944. He served with the United States Army during World War II.

B.I. married Barbara A. Beam in Monmouth on Nov. 1, 1963, and she died June 2, 2005.

B.I. was a salesman for Norris Office Equipment and Supplies for more than 45 years before retiring in 1992.

He was an avid golfer and loved Jazz music.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth, Monmouth Country Club, Monmouth Rotary Club, Monmouth Elks Club and the Monmouth American Legion Post 136.

He was a 32nd degree Mason with Monmouth Masonic Lodge, a member of the Mohammed Shrine Temple from Peoria, and he was very active in assisting with the children at the Shriners Children's Hospital in St. Louis.

He also served as a volunteer fireman as well as serving as the police and fire commissioner for several years.

Survivors include his son, David Goranson of Peoria, and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, John Goranson; and sister, Mary Becker.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory in Monmouth. Burial with military honors will be in Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth. Friends may call Monday at the funeral home, where his family will be present from 10 to 11 a.m.

A memorial fund has been established, to be designated later.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.