WILLIAM L. FAIRBANK

WILLIAM L. FAIRBANK

Des Moines

William L. Fairbank passed away on Monday, April 6, 2009 due to complications from cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 13, at St. Augustin Catholic Church immediately followed by a funeral luncheon. Private burial will be at a later time at Resthaven Cemetery.

Bill was born on December 17, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960 then attended Drake University where he served as student body president and became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Drake in 1964 and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Drake Law School in January of 1966. Bill enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an attorney in Des Moines, most recently as a partner in the Whitfield and Eddy Law Firm for the past 25 years.

Included among his many civic and professional contributions Bill served on the Board of Directors of Living History Farms. He was chairman of the board during the capitol campaign which resulted in the construction of the visitor's center and other buildings at the Farms. Bill was a member of the Polk County, Iowa, and American Bar Associations as well as a member and past president of the Lincoln Inne. He was also a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association and Chairman of the Board of Examiners of Shorthand reporters. As a parishioner of St. Augustin Church he served as a song leader for more than a decade.

Bill brought enthusiasm and commitment to everything in which he was involved. His vitality enhanced the lives of all those around him. Throughout his many accomplishments, Bill's number one priority was his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. Those left to cherish his memory include his high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Joleen (Wolf); son Rob (Mary Ann) Fairbank of Denver, CO; daughter Deanna (Jeff) Lane of West Des Moines; and four grandchildren, Christopher and Will Fairbank and Shelby and Colin Lane. He was preceded in death by his parents; Earl and Jessie Fairbank and sister Karen Peterson.

Visitation will be at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday followed by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Living History Farms or St. Augustin Church.