William E Brentlinger

William “Bill” Edward Brentlinger, age 70, of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

If you knew Bill, you’re probably smiling right now. He was smart, quick-witted, and full of good humor. Honest as the day is long, he was the kind of man who would return a lost wallet, give someone a ride, stop to help a stranger, and quite literally give you the shirt off his back. But he wasn’t one to tolerate dishonesty—cross him or lie to him, and you’d quickly find yourself off his list.

Bill was born on October 29, 1954, in St. Louis City to Roy Brentlinger and Evelyn Cremeens. From a young age, he and his brothers were raised by his stepfather, Richard “Slick” Cremeens, whom Bill proudly considered his dad. Bill and Amy (Buck) Dunning were joined in marriage on October 8, 1994, in Cape Girardeau. The couple lived in Cape before settling in Jackson in 2006.

Hard work came naturally to Bill. As a young boy, he helped his parents manage rental properties, learning early on the value of responsibility and grit. His career began in the grocery business at Stelmacki’s Market, where he worked his way up from bagging groceries to store manager. He also earned his real estate license and worked as a realtor in St. Louis.

In 1988, Bill moved to Cape Girardeau and joined Interstate Bakeries as a route supervisor. Later, he was recruited by Malone and Hyde (Fleming) in Sikeston and the Fleming Quality Division out of Memphis. Even as he built a successful career in sales, Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own businesses including a car wash and storage units, and rental apartments. To his tenants, he was more than a landlord—he was “Mr. Bill,” a friend who genuinely cared about their lives and families.

Bill could fix just about anything, a talent his wife Amy never took for granted. He had an undeniable love for tools, often coming home with a grin and saying, “Look what I bought you today!” Amy always said she was married to the best refrigerator repairman she knew.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill’s love for nature was lifelong. Amy always said he should have been a conservation agent—he seemed to know everything about the outdoors. He spent countless hours exploring the woods of his family’s farm, hunting deer, turkey, rabbits, and an avid duck hunter. He participated in Bass Angler’s competitions as well. Whatever the hobby, Bill approached it with enthusiasm and a drive to be his best.

He was known for his award-winning barbeque. As a longtime member of Bluff City Sweet Loins—later rebranded as Papa John’s Flying Swine—Bill and his team competed in events across Cape, Jackson, and Sikeston, taking home numerous awards for their excellent barbeque.

Golf, for Bill, was less about perfection and more about friendship. He loved the camaraderie, the laughter, and the one-liners shared on the course. This same camaraderie existed with a group of men that did care about the score and are highly competitive.

Bill was a past member of the Elks Lodge in Cape, Bootheel Bass Gobblers, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the NRA, the Elk Federation, and Ducks Unlimited. He and Amy faithfully supported these causes, attending countless banquets and fundraisers together.

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy; his daughter, Khara (Pat) Duffy of Las Vegas, NV; his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Melina, and Carsten Duffy; and his brothers, Donald and David Brentlinger of St. Louis, along with beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Richard “Slick” Cremeens.

A proud organ donor, Bill had registered to donate tissue not once, but 17 times—something Mid-America Transplant said they had never seen before. His generosity continues through that legacy.

The Bootheel Bass Gobblers Chapter hosts or co-hosts wheelin’ hunts in Southeast Missouri for deer and dove every year. Some years they are able to help with turkey and waterfowl hunts as well. The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen Program believes everyone deserves the right and opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, and they support opportunities for disabled sportsmen. Therefore, if considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Bootheel Bass Gobblers National Wild Turkey Federation – Wheelin’ Sportsmen Program. Checks may be made payable to “NWTF”. On the memo line, please write “Wheelin’ Bill B”. Checks may be mailed to Bootheel Bass Gobblers, P. O. Box 42, Jackson, MO 63755.

Contributions to St. Francis Healthcare Foundation are also appreciated.

Bill was not a man of formality or fanfare. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and his family will celebrate his life privately at a later date.

The family would love for you to share memories by visiting Bill’s guestbook, beneath this article.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.