Bill Lorton

Bill Lorton (born William Bruce Lorton) died peacefully in the early hours of Aug. 28, surrounded by family and lifted in prayer by those who loved him dearly.

Born to Irma and George Lorton on Jan. 17, 1941, at home in Jerseyville, Illinois, Bill was a beloved son, husband, dad, stepdad, grandpa, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, entrepreneur, salesman, practical joker, friend, and neighbor. To offer that he was larger than life would be an understatement – his impact on everyone he came across was both profound and simple. He touched the lives of many with his wide smile, sense of humor, welcoming spirit, curiosity, wise counsel and gregarious, outgoing, endlessly positive nature. Bill never met a stranger and had the amazing capacity to make anyone truly feel the zest for life he embodied while making them also feel like a part of the family. And of course, there were the often-used witticisms that were typical Bill, "I like it already!" "Now we're having fun!" "Go for the gusto!" "This is for the championship!" And one, that made its way on a t-shirt, "Doan mean nothin' to me!"

While Bill was the life of the party and the guy with a joke for every occasion (they didn't call him "Wild Bill" for nothing), he balanced that boldness with an empathy and an approachability that made even the quietest individual feel important, seen and heard. He had a rare gift of building community wherever he found himself – be it the golf course, the card table, the marina or the small towns he called home for many years (in central Illinois – both Bushnell and Little Swan Lake).

Bill's professional experience was vast and varied. Believing strongly in the value of hard work, honesty, loyalty and innovation, Bill shared those values with his friends, colleagues, and most importantly, his family. Bill liked to tell stories about his early years at the International Shoe Company in St. Louis, Mo. The work was good but the pay, not so much. Bill shared that he survived from week to week on a loaf of bread, bottle of ketchup and pound of bologna. He stretched the number of meals he could get out of his chili by adding ketchup and saltines. Bill recounted this history not for dramatic effect, but to illustrate what it meant to be resilient, persistent, self-confident and ambitious. Life is hard. Lortons are tough. Lortons can do hard things.

In 1973, Bill purchased the McDonough Democrat Newspaper in Bushnell, Ill. For a time, he wrote a weekly column, "Wednesday's Window" and launched a new regular feature called, "Cook of the Week." He took pictures at the local high school's athletic events and awards programs, putting the spotlight on his friends and neighbors. He was a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce, delighting in using the paper to promote the small town's fall festival, wooden nickel days and other special events. Bill believed strongly in giving back to the community and supporting Bushnell in every way possible. In the late 1970s, the McDonough Democrat, Inc., was formed and the commercial printing side of the business, the Spoon River Press, was greatly expanded. Bill took a leap of faith in expanding the business - a risky move at the time. He pursued it with determination and vision - ultimately turning it into a success he was deeply proud of. The positive performance of the McDonough Democrat, Inc., was due in large part to Bill's business savvy and his exceptional negotiation skills. Bill relished the challenge of sales, frequently testing his mastery beyond publishing and printing, by buying and selling cars, sailboats, land, computers, Buddy L trains, an occasional fire truck, and more.

One of the most important negotiations of Bill's storied career was convincing the love of his life that they should marry, blending their families – Bill with six children and Jan (Painter) with three children. On June 23, 1979, with Carpenters' music setting the scene, Bill and Jan were married in the living room of their Bushnell home. For the next 46 years, the couple remained true to their vows – celebrating the best moments in life and supporting each other through the hardest of times. There was no better person to be in lockstep with when challenges presented themselves. Bill was the epitome of grace under pressure, and he brought a calm to even the most frightening of situations.

They welcomed sons and daughters-in-law and attended numerous baptisms, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, showers and other special family events. They enjoyed a variety of activities together from square dancing to golf to sailing. Additionally, when they weren't hosting parties, making huge batches of red beans and rice, carefully and stealthily navigating the pontoon boat for late night golf ball hunting and other lake shenanigans, or trying to get six skiers up at Lorton's Landing, Bill and Jan were on the road, traveling to all 50 states (except for North Dakota.) A majority of those travels were centered around family visits, which were at the core of the life Bill and Jan built. If Bill said it once, he said it a hundred times, family isn't everything, it's the ONLY THING.

In 2001, after all of their children had left the nest, Bill and Jan retired to Punta Gorda, Fl., where they made an extended family of friends who kept them busy golfing, sailing, traveling and attending happy hours. Bill and Jan lived a rich life in Punta Gorda surrounded by numerous friends who shared their same passion for adventure, travel and creating great memories together.

Bill was a loyal friend and impassioned community member. There are so many people who loved and will miss "Wild Bill" that it would be impossible to list them all. He leaves behind former work colleagues, clients and employees; high school pals; sailing club buddies; golfing friends; travel companions; and friends. His impact remains immeasurable and promises to continue into the future as his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends live with the gifts of the wisdom he shared, the love he gave unconditionally and the example he provided of living a life to the fullest in every possible way.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, David (Michele) Lorton; his parents; and his brother, George Lorton. He is survived by his wife and co-captain of 46 years, Janet Lorton; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including, William Bruce Lorton II and family, Mary Jane (Jeff) Daum and family, Elizabeth (Jeffery) Gramza and family, Karen (Joe) Lorton-Vella, and Kevin (Carey) Lorton and family; daughter-in-law, Michele Lorton and family; and stepsons, Ken (Lee) Norton and family, Gregg (Tammy) Norton and family, and Dave (Holly) Norton and family. Bill is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is planned for what would have been Bill's 85th birthday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Aerie's Resort in Grafton, Ill. More specifics on this event, which will include a funeral mass and group service project, will be shared with friends and family later this fall.

In lieu of flowers, Bill's family asks that you make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, 25200 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Additionally, you can celebrate Bill by following his lead and living life to the fullest every day – watch that sunset, make that Dairy Queen run, go it alone in Euchre, watch "It's a Wonderful Life" outside of the Christmas season, say "yes" to the happy hour invitation, put the top down on the convertible regardless of the weather, always assume the best about people, and last, but definitely not least, tell your people that you love them and give them a giant, suffocating hug.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Punta Gorda, Chapel.