William J. Kane

William Joseph Kane, 88, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was born on Nov. 1, 1935, All Saints Day, to William and Grace (Bishop) Kane, in St. Louis. William was baptized as a baby at Saint Bernard's Catholic Church. As a boy, he helped around the church and served as an altar boy. Bill attended the Catholic school in Florissant until his family moved to St. Clair. While he lived in St. Clair, he attended a one-room school named Dually and St. Clair public school. He also attended Pacific public school, then went back to Florissant Catholic School. Due to transferring to all the different schools, Bill quit school at the age of 16. He started right away working at Schultz Folding Box Factory in Pacific. Schultz Folding Box Factory changed names to Alton Box and then to Jefferson Smurfit. Bill worked there for 41 years as a diemaker until he had a heart attack and had to retire.

Bill married the love of his life, Naomi Rice, on Oct. 24, 1953, at the age of 17. They were married by Naomi's cousin, Reverend Prietz, in Owensville. Two children came to bless them; a daughter, Angelia, and a son, William Dale.

At the age of 17, Bill proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Army National Guard. He served from 1953 to 1960, then the Army Reserves, before retiring with an honorable discharge.

In his younger years, Bill and Naomi enjoyed riding motorcycles with the many motorcycle groups. They also enjoyed time on their boats, skiing, camping, and fishing, as well as traveling to many states in our beautiful country. He had many hobbies, including scroll woodworking that he shared with his family and many friends. Bill was proud to live in the United States and of his heritage, having a great-grandmother who was a full blooded American Cherokee Indian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Kane and Grace Sons; one granddaughter, Harmonie Hohlt; one brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Gerry Kane; one nephew, Rick Kane; one niece, Barbara Kane; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roy and Marie Rice, Mildred and Arthur Branson, Norvin ?Butch? Rice; and parents-in-law, Walter and Clara Rice.

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Naomi Kane; one daughter, Angelia Hohlt and husband William, of Union; one son, William Dale Kane, of Beaufort; three grandchildren, Sarenatie Evans and husband David, Ian Hohlt, and Clestin Hohlt and fiance Rachel Bragg; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Devon, and Lydia Stout and Josiah Hohlt.

A private memorial service will be held.

He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

The family was served by Midlawn Funeral Home, Union.