William Lee Ezell

William "Bill" Lee Ezell, 90, was born August 3, 1934, to William Van Horn Ezell and Elizabeth Jane (Ellingson) Ezell in Des Moines, Iowa. Later Bill and his parents relocated to Marshalltown, Iowa. Bill attended Marshalltown High School where he excelled and lettered in Basketball, Football and Track. Bill also met the love of his life, Fontella "Fon" Maxine (Cunningham) Ezell during their high school years together. This love they had for each other led them to marriage on August 23rd, 1953 in Marshalltown. They had five children: Lawrence "Larry", Steven "Steve", Richard "Rick", Carrie and Kristi. They are the grandparents of ten grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Bill loved each and every one of them.

Bill passed away comfortably of natural causes in his own home January 20, 2025, as he wished. Bill was surrounded by those that loved him.

Bill had several activities he enjoyed participating in. He belonged to the Des Moines Bridge Club and through his years of playing Bridge, he reached Ruby Life Master Level. Bill loved playing golf and playing golf with Fon. Not only did Bill enjoy golfing and playing Bridge, he loved to fish. He took many trips to upper Minnesota and Canada to fish with good friends, son and son-in-law. He loved to fish so much, he bought lake property at Lake Rathbun, IA so he could fish anytime he wanted. He always had a good fish story to tell.

Bill was quite a salesman that never met a stranger. If his father was still here, he would say that Bill was a natural born entrepreneur that could sell you the shirt off your own back. Bill had started several successful advertising businesses throughout the years. Through the many miles he traveled over the years he met some of the most influential people that inspired him.

Bill took his kids on fantastic vacations from coast to coast, border to border, Canada and Mexico. They went to many Drive-In theaters for movie night, he taught them how to play many card games (except poker), played board games and told the best jokes and stories ever.

Bill is survived by his wife Fon of 71 years, his sister Sheryl Ezell, his children: Larry, Rick, Carrie (Jim Weigel) and Kristi Powers (Mike Sexton). Many grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids.

Bill was preceded in death by his Grandparents, his father William Ezell, his mother Jane Ezell, his son Steven and his In-laws Earl and Gertrude Cunningham.

One of the most important things to Bill before passing, was to get his 50th Sobriety Coin. He received it and it will stay with him for eternity. Bill's wishes are to be cremated and his 50th coin placed in with his ashes.

A celebration of life will be held on January 30, at 12noon, with a visitation from 11a-12p at the Iles Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Road Urbandale IA, 50322.