Willaim "Bill" Andrews

TOLONO - William Duane Andrews, known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (Aug. 20, 2025) at the age of 88.

He was born and raised in Tolono, where he spent his life deeply connected to family, community and service.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1964 and was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Urbana. He also dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter for the village of Tolono and was an active member of the Tolono ESDA for many more.

Beyond his service, Bill had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he was also an extremely talented artist whose creativity left a lasting impression on those around him.

He was preceded in death by his second wife; sister, Norma Rogers; daughter Paula Ingrum; and parents, Howard and Nelda Andrews.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Gloria Andrews; daughter Rebecca Cheney; 10 grandchildren, Sarah Cleaver, Katie Ferguson, Bobby Goodnight, Will Andrews, TJ Ingrum, Chucky Chaney, Anthony Chaney, Skyler Ingrum, Tisha Ingrum and Brenden Ingrum; and 12 great-grandchildren, Harrison, Grayson, Barrett, Kyson, Kamdyn, Dillon, Liliana, Mason, Drake, Stella, Tamen and Dawson.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His kindness, humor and dedication to others left a legacy of love and service that will not be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, on Thursday, Aug. 28, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a procession to the gravesite in Bement, where his ashes will be laid to rest.