William H. "Bill" Powell

1948 - 2009

Brimfield - William H. (Bill) Powell, 60, Brimfield, passed away at 11:20 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, peacefully at his home with his family by his side after an extended illness.

Bill was born in Decatur on Sept. 13, 1948, a son of Howard and Marie (Surface) Powell. He married Kathy (Sherman) Goeppinger on Jan. 1, 2001, on Siesta Key, Fla., and she survives.

He also is survived by one sister, Joyce Powell of Columbia, Mo.; one son, Rodney W. (Jodi) Powell of Decatur; father-in-law Gene (Lorraine) Sherman of Maquon; and mother-in-law Josephine-JoMama (Kenny) Lester. He also is survived by five stepchildren, Timothy (Ann) Goeppinger of Sonoma, Calif., Toby (fiancée Missy) Goeppinger of St. Louis, Mo., Thomas (fiancée Meg) Goeppinger of Milwaukee, Wis., Tracy (Scott) Mikula of Woodinville, Wash., and Tyson Goeppinger of Seattle, Wash.; and two grandchildren, Morgan and Jonah.

His parents preceded Bill in death.

Bill graduated from Macon High School in 1966 after which he attended Lakeland College. He then began his career with General Electric in Decatur, before entering the Army. Bill owned and operated Rossiter's Office Machines, which later merged to become Associated Office Furnishings. He often had a passion to own a business as evidenced by 'The Nut Wizard' and 'The Island Restaurant' in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

He was the Decatur chairman of the Labor Day Telethon to raise funds for muscular dystrophy from 1971-73. He was vice president of Sertoma of Decatur. Bill ran for city council in 1976. He was a member of Holy Family Church while he resided in Decatur. He was a member of the Millikin Quarterback Club. He was also a member of South Side Country Club and Decatur Club.

Bill was an avid Fighting Illini, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, and loved his music, fishing, gardening, traveling, cooking and spending time with his children (including his beloved black lab, Annie).

Bill was a very devoted husband and treasured time with his family, friends and neighbors. His sense of humor, wittiness, ability to recall song lyrics and nicknames for everyone he met made him one special person.

Bill's family is grateful for the love and support they received during his illness and would especially like to thank the Illinois Cancer Care of Peoria, Methodist Hospice and those who donated their time and provided support during the benefit for Bill and his family.

Funeral will be at Dawson and Wikoff, 515 W. Wood St., Decatur, IL 62522. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. A private memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30. Cremation was accorded. A private will be in Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Decatur.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The William Powell Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.dawson-wikoff.com.