William Lawrence "Bill" Doering

1934 - 2022

William Lawrence Doering, 88, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in Springfield, Mo. Bill was born on June 9, 1934, in Morrison, Ill., the son of Lawrence (Luke) and Helen (Trout) Doering.

He graduated from Amboy High School in 1952 and married Sally Lansford, his wife of 67 years, on Sept. 5, 1955, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling, Ill.

Bill was the manager of the Tractor Supply Company store in Sterling for many years before moving his family to West Plains, Mo., in 1973 to realize his dream of opening Western Farm and Home. He and Sally worked side-by-side building a successful business for over 30 years before retiring. Bill was very involved in the West Plains and St. Mary's church community as a member of the Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club.

He and Sally recently moved to Springhouse Village in Springfield to be closer to family. Bill loved travel and would think nothing of jumping in the car for long road trips. He and Sally traveled the country and abroad often visiting family and friends along the way. After retiring, he looked forward to spending each winter in Orange Beach, Ala., where he and Sally created a close community of friends. They also made frequent trips back home to Sterling/Rock Falls to visit family and lifelong friends.

Bill is beloved by many generations for his kind heart, big smile and many humorous tales. He was known as "Grandpa" to many friends of his grandchildren. Their house was always open to family, friends and friends of friends visiting from out of town.

Bill loved to fire up the grill to cook up his signature pork chops. He was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, attending many games at Busch Stadium over the years. He was always up for a game of cards or dominoes and enjoyed trying his luck at a casino.

Bill will be missed by his five children Bill (Cathy) Doering, Jr., of Rock Falls, Ill., Vicky (Roland) Salas of Rock Falls Jill (Greg) Williams of Springfield, Doug (Vonna) Doering of West Plains, and Kelly (Mark Oldenburg) Doering of Madison, Wisc. He was a proud grandpa of Jason (Mandi) Williams and Brad (Amy) Williams of Springfield, Brooke (Jamie) Gisi and Kelsi Salas of Rock Falls, and Nick (Billie) Doering of Amboy, Ill. He was blessed with nine great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his brother Robert (Bob) Doering and parents Luke and Helen Doering.

He is survived by his loving sister Mary Ellen Trout of Buckeye, Ariz.

Visitation was held from 9 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Home followed by an 11 a.m. funeral mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling. In lieu of flowers consider a memorial gift to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, www.rmhcstl.com.